Assembly passes bill to clarify online notarization rules ahead of 2030 implementation
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Summary
AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State and presented by Assemblymember Erwin, passed the Assembly (Ayes 49, Noes 5). The bill corrects ambiguities in the Online Notarization Act, strengthens consumer protections, and aligns statutory requirements with practical implementation plans.
The Assembly passed AB 1977 on April 14, a measure to clarify and correct ambiguities in the Online Notarization Act ahead of broader implementation. Assemblymember Erwin presented the bill, which the sponsor described as necessary to ensure online notarization operates "in practice" by 2030 and to strengthen consumer protections for users and notary platforms.
"This bill strengthens consumer protections and provides clarity for notaries, platforms and users by aligning statutory requirements with how online notarization will operate in practice," Assemblymember Erwin said on the floor. After debate, the Clerk recorded a roll-call result: Ayes 49, Noes 5, and the measure passed the Assembly.
The bill is sponsored by the Secretary of State and was described as technical and implementation-focused; proponents argued it reduces legal uncertainty and consumer risk. Opponents registered five no votes on the roll but did not speak at length on the floor during passage.
AB 1977 will move to the next stage in the legislative process (Senate consideration) as part of the Assembly's third-reading file.
