Congressman Aderholt's Notary Bill Passses Senate, Expected to be Signed into Law by President
Press Release
Congressman Robert Aderholt's (R-Haleyville) bill to help businesses by reforming the notarization process passed the Senate on Monday, after 4 years of pushing the legislation through Congress. When enacted, the "Interstate Recognition of Notarizations (IRON) Act of 2009" (HR 3808), will address problems in dealing with the recognition of notarizations across state lines.
"I am very pleased to finally see this bill pass the Senate after working on it for so long," said Congressman Aderholt. "This legislation will help businesses around the nation by eliminating the confusion which arises when states refuse to acknowledge the integrity of documents notarized out-of-state. This issue continues to be a problem for businesses and individuals who engage in business across state lines. This bill offers a common sense solution to a problem that is more widespread than is generally recognized."
The "Interstate Recognition of Notarizations Act of 2009" was introduced by Congressman Aderholt on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 and it passed the House on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. The bill is expected to now be signed into law by the President.
Congressman Aderholt had previously introduced the legislation during the 110th and 109th Congress. The bill passed the House of Representatives during those Congressional sessions but was not taken up by the Senate.
When signed into law, this legislation will require that documents be recognized in any state or federal court if the subject affects interstate commerce and the document is duly notarized by seal or if a seal is tagged to an electronic document. The bill does not preclude the challenge of a notarized document, such as a will contest.
Currently, each state is responsible for regulating its notaries. Typically, someone who wishes to become a notary pays a fee, submits an application and takes an oath of office. Some states require applicants to enroll in an educational course, pass an exam, and obtain a notary bond. This legislation does not change how the individual states regulate notaries in any manner.
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