Rep. Gaines presents bill to allow in-person electronic notarization

Representative Gaines presented a bill to a committee to allow in-person electronic notarization, saying the measure would let a notary complete a signing on an electronic device while the signer and notary remain physically present.

"What this would allow is, in person electronic notary," Representative Gaines said. He described a common example: instead of printing paperwork for a closing, a notary could execute the notarization on an iPad, "have the electronic notary," and still require the signer to be in person. He also noted Representative Dolitz had worked for a long time on remote online notary issues.

The chairman asked whether there were any questions; none were offered. A motion was made and seconded (the transcript does not record the exact motion text or the names of the mover and seconder). Hearing no discussion, the chair called for a voice vote and the committee approved forwarding the measure. The transcript records the chair saying, "Congratulations, Mr. Gaines. You're on the rules." The exact vote tally and formal motion text were not specified in the record.

The next procedural step is placement on the rules calendar or consideration by the Rules Committee for scheduling. The transcript does not record further debate, amendments, fiscal notes, or a roll-call vote on the measure.