SB 17-132

Senate Bill 17-132 updates Colorado's laws on notarization to align with modern practices, including electronic documents. It makes sure that notarial acts done in Colorado are recognized in other states and countries, enhancing the reliability of these processes. The bill also sets up a group to study how notaries can use technology for remote signings and gives the Secretary of State the power to create rules for this new method. Since it has been signed into law, these changes will now be implemented according to the established timeline and guidelines.

Official Summary

Colorado Commission on Uniform State Laws. The bill enacts the 'Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts' (the 'Act'), as amended by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in 2016. The Act responds to current transactions and practices (in particular electronic records); seeks to promote uniformity among state laws regarding notarial acts; enhances the integrity of the notarial process; and provides for the recognition of notarial acts performed in this state, in other states, under the authority of a federally recognized Indian tribe, under federal authority, and in foreign jurisdictions. The bill postpones the sunset review of the notaries law from July 1, 2018, to September 1, 2023 and relocates the notaries law from the title governing professions and occupations to the secretary of state's article. The bill also creates a working group to study and make recommendations by December 1, 2017, regarding electronic remote notarization. The secretary of state must promulgate rules regarding electronic remote notarization, after which notaries may perform a notarial act by electronic remote notarization in compliance with the rules. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

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