The Effect of State Legislation on Notary Requirements

Sometimes it’s hard to keep abreast of what a piece of legislation means for oncoming notary supplies purchases.
What if I get a seal with just my name, date, and county? And now I have to have a commission date? How is one supposed to keep up with what’s going on when swamped with business, children, work, school, and more? Here’s how
- Go to state websites. Most states, like Georgia, have a database containing codes relating to all civil rules & regulations. Find the one for Notaries. It is often listed under Public Offices.
- There should be published guidelines for the most recent year. While this is all you need to see in order to verify what you have is correct and will be for the upcoming term
- Legislation can be introduced but fail to pass. Each state has separate requirements governing the methods for a Bill’s movement between House and Senate before being passed onto the Governor’s Desk. Although some Bills may be doomed for an eternal reject bin, legislation that is introduced but does not pass can still be an indication of what is to come in the future.
- Once the Bill has been approved under the unique method of that state, it is passed onto the Governor’s Desk; if signed, it goes into action.
- Even if a Bill has been signed and put into action by the Governor, it will almost always be retroactive; meaning you cannot be forced to go out and do something you have already done (i.e. to buy a new stamp if you have already got one – the new regulations will only apply once your commission runs out)
We know it’s hard to keep up with what’s going on in the obscure world of government regulations when swamped with business, children, work, school, and more. That’s why we’re here: to provide content, up-to-date service, and unique supplies solutions.