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HB289 • 2025

Courts; remote online notaries public and remote online notarizations; provide

Courts; remote online notaries public and remote online notarizations; provide

Technology
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Gullett, Joseph
Last action
2026-03-06
Official status
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill status indicates it passed both chambers but reached final enrollment; executive action (signing) is not shown in the provided metadata.

HB289: Rules for Remote Online Notaries and Real Estate Recordings

This bill creates rules allowing notaries to perform duties online from a distance, requires them to keep electronic records of these transactions, and defines unfair practices related to recording certain residential real estate documents.

What This Bill Does

  • Provides for remote online notaries public and the performance of remote online notarizations.
  • Sets requirements for keeping an electronic journal of remote online notarization transactions.
  • Defines specific actions as unfair or deceptive consumer practices when recording certain residential real estate documents.
  • Amends laws regarding clerks of superior courts, general provisions for notaries public, and the inspection of public records to accommodate these changes.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Notaries public who perform remote online notarizations in Georgia.
  • Clerks of superior courts responsible for maintaining court records.
  • Consumers involved in residential real estate transactions where documents are recorded.

Terms To Know

Remote online notary public
A notary authorized to perform notarizations using audio-visual technology with someone who is not physically present, as provided for in this bill.
Electronic journaling
The requirement established by the bill for remote online notaries to maintain digital records of their transactions.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The official summary does not list specific technical requirements, fees, or training needed to become a remote online notary.
  • The exact effective date is mentioned as being provided in the bill but is not listed in the available text excerpts.
  • Details on how existing paper records transition to electronic systems are not described in the source material.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-06 Georgia General Assembly

    House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

Official Summary Text

Courts; remote online notaries public and remote online notarizations; provide