Erwin’s AB 1977 to clarify online notarization law advances from Appropriations Committee
Loading...
Summary
AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State and presented by Assembly member Erwin, would resolve technical inconsistencies in the 2023 Online Notarization Act (SB 696) to streamline implementation and strengthen consumer protections; the committee advanced the bill out of Appropriations.
Assembly member Erwin presented AB 1977 during the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing on April 8, 2026, asking the panel to advance a Secretary of State-sponsored technical cleanup to the Online Notarization Act.
The bill, sponsored by the Secretary of State, “clarifies and corrects ambiguities and inconsistencies in the online notarization act to ensure implementation by 2030,” Erwin said. Adam Lewin of the Secretary of State’s office told the committee the measure addresses technical issues that are “slowing implementation and creating unnecessary complexity.”
Why it matters: AB 1977 aims to align statutory definitions and procedures, update licensing and training requirements, and provide clearer guidance for authenticating electronic seals under the framework established by SB 696 (chapter 291, 2023). Supporters say the bill will streamline rollout and strengthen consumer protections while imposing only minor, absorbable administrative costs.
Adam Lewin, representing the Secretary of State’s office, summarized the intent: “The proposed amendments primarily clarifying existing provisions and address portions of the law that have not yet gone into effect,” and urged the committee for an aye vote. Erwin and the sponsor characterized the changes as technical rather than policy-altering.
There was no recorded on‑the‑record opposition during the presentation. The committee moved the bill out of Appropriations on a roll-call action.
The measure now moves to the next step in the Legislature’s process for floor consideration and any further amendments.