House Transportation Committee advances bill removing notary requirement for some vehicle transactions

The House Transportation Committee voted to advance House Bill 165, a measure to eliminate the notary requirement for certain motor-vehicle transactions, after members weighed consumer-protection concerns against the convenience and cost of notarization.

Chair Durham said he had reservations about removing the notary requirement, calling the notary “one of those transactions of motor vehicles that we don't do very often” and adding, “for consumer protection, I'm a no on this bill.” Representative Staffman said he would support the bill, recounting a recent car sale and calling the requirement burdensome: “it just added an extra step that really seems unnecessary.” Vice Chair Baum said she had shared initial concerns but spoke with the bureau chief from MDD and was satisfied by steps to allow verification; she said, “I will be a yes on this, Mr. Chair.”

The committee completed a roll-call vote after discussion. The clerk announced, “So we have 10 in favor and 4 against,” and Chair Durham said, “House Bill 165 passes the House Transportation Committee.” The roll-call included members recorded as voting by proxy; the clerk's announced tally was the official result reported at adjournment.

House Bill 212 and House Bill 97 were not considered because amendments had been filed for those measures. After adjourning, the committee noted an optional Department of Transportation (MDT) tour for members and guests.

The committee did not record floor action language or specify next steps beyond the committee vote; no mover or seconder was stated during the executive action on HB165.

The committee adjourned following the vote and the optional MDT tour was announced for interested members.