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House approves notary law revisions to protect Spanish‑language consumers and require fee notice
Summary
Lawmakers approved revisions to notary public law (HB345) on Feb. 23 to require advertising in languages other than English to state that a notary is not an attorney and to require fee posting; supporters said the changes protect consumers, opponents warned about administrative burdens for small providers.
The Utah House on Feb. 23 passed House Bill 345, a set of revisions to notary-public law intended to protect consumers and clarify fee and advertising practices.
Representative Bryson, sponsor of the amendments, said the measure addresses problems where Spanish-language advertising can mislead people about notaries’ role (‘‘Notario Publico’’ in some countries suggests the person is an attorney). The adopted pink-sheet amendment requires that advertising in languages other than English include notice that the notary public is not an attorney and clarifies fee limits, including that any posted fee schedule should not exceed approved federal rates where applicable.
Representative Alexander and others cautioned that requiring visible fee postings at every notary location could be burdensome to banks or providers who do not charge fees. Bryson responded that the purpose is consumer protection: a posted fee schedule prevents people from being overcharged.
The House recorded the final vote as 60 yes and 14 no; HB345 will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
