LEGISLATIVE ALERTS

When a member of the general public asks a NOTARY PUBLIC to witness a document, they expect that the person that is assisting them to have been trained and competent in all areas of the duties of being a Notary Public.  To become a Notary Public, one has to pass a difficult exam where often less than 10% pass on their first attempt and it requires a great deal of study to succeed.  Louisiana is unique in that a Civil Law Notary has broad powers that are  normally reserved for attorneys in other states.   When you approach a Notary Public in Louisiana, you know that they have achieved a level of competency that other states don't require.

House Bill 257 was introduced into the Legislature in 2011 to provide for Bankers to have the ability to appoint notaries who have not been through the regular process of becoming a notary. 

That bill was withdrawn after much discussion and an agreement was reached whereas the Notary Study committee would work with reviewing the appropriate studies.

UPDATE 8-10-2011
HCR 45 NOTARY PUBLIC STUDY COMMITTEE

The Notary Public study committee met on August 3, 2011 to begin discussions on improving the profession in light of the concerns raised in the House Bill 257.  Agenda items included a discussion on the purpose of the committee, Notary Exam History, Presentation of Comparison of Notarial Authority of Louisiana Civil Law Notaries and Common Law Notaries and the creation of sub-committees to address (1) Standardizing the Test and Study Courses and (2) Continuing Education Requirements in the future.   In the future, we will provide a more detailed review of the progress of this Committee so that you can voice your opinion.