Tennessee Governor Signs Citizenship Requirements for Notaries
  Posted: May 02 2008 | Tennessee | Print Article |

Gov. Phil Bredesen signed House Bill 2954 into law on April 30 requiring notaries to be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. The bill previously passed both chambers of the Legislature unanimously.

Education Could Become Mandatory for Tennessee Notaries
  Posted: Apr 07 2008 | Tennessee | Print Article |

Tennessee state legislators are considering amendments to the Tennessee Code that affect notaries public.

House Bill 4027 proposes a mandatory educational requirement. New and reappointed notaries may be required to complete five hours of instruction as part of the commission process. Attorneys who are also notaries would not be exempt from this requirement.

Upon successful completion of the educational requirement, the applicant would receive a certificate of completion to attach to the application and submit to the state. This certificate would be valid for one year.

HB 4027 would also authorize notaries to perform electronic notarizations. Individuals who wish to be designated as approved electronic notaries would complete and submit an application for the secretary of state's review and approval.

House Bill 3894 proposes that all new and reappointed notaries should pass an exam at the notary's expense. However, licensed practicing attorneys who are also notaries would be exempt from the exam requirement. HB 3894 also states that all notaries would keep and maintain their own notarial journals, a bound book with individually numbered entries.

HB 4027 and 3894 would also raise fees for recording and protest to $5 each.

Senate Bill 2964 would require an applicant to be a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident to hold the office of notary public. SB 3204 would require each applicant, prior to being sworn in as a notary, to sign a statement that would be kept on file with the county legislative body, stating that the notary has read and understands the duties and responsibilities of the office of notary public.

USNA will keep members apprised of the progress of these legislative proposals on our Web site at www.enotary.org and through articles in Notary Review.