Senate Passes Wilson Bill to Modernize Ohio Notary Law

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Senate today passed Senate Bill 130, sponsored by Senator Steve Wilson (R-Maineville) which makes several updates to the Ohio Notary Law.

"A goal of mine throughout this General Assembly has been to modernize the operations of government across the State of Ohio," said Wilson. "It is crucial that we improve upon Ohio's business services and update outdated and burdensome provisions." 

This legislation will allow the Secretary of State's Business Services Division to operate more effectively and efficiently. Some of the updates in the bill include: 

• 
  Clerks of Courts and Deputy Registrars are added to the list of County Officials who are required to accept electronically notarized documents
• If a notary fails to cooperate with an investigation, the Secretary of State has the authority to revoke the notary's commission
• Specifies that a notary commission is not an occupational or professional license for the purpose of the state's occupational regulation laws
• Requires a notary to take oath of office in person
• Notaries charging excessive fees will not be classified as a "prohibited act" 

Senate Bill 130 now heads to the Ohio House for consideration.