The notary industry is on the brink of a significant transformation in California. Senate Bill 696, commonly referred to as the Remote Online Notary (RON) bill, has been introduced in the California legislature. This monumental piece of legislation aims to modernize the notarization process by allowing notaries to perform their duties remotely via secure online platforms.
What is Remote Online Notary (RON)?
Remote Online Notary is a practice that enables notaries to perform their duties over the internet through secure videoconferencing technology. RON has been a game-changer in states where it's already legalized, offering convenience, enhanced security features, and an efficient way to meet notary demands.
The RON course is available at The Notary Academy
The Details of SB 696
SB 696 aims to authorize notaries in California to notarize documents remotely via approved technology platforms. According to the bill, notaries would have to fulfill specific requirements, such as undergoing additional training and employing secure videoconferencing tools, to become eligible for RON.
To read the complete bill, you can visit the California Legislative Information website
Why SB 696 Matters
Convenience: Clients can have their documents notarized without physically being present.
Efficiency: Notaries can serve more clients, thereby boosting their business.
Security: Advanced technological measures will ensure document authenticity and protect against fraud.
The Journey of a Bill in California
1. Introduction: A Senator or Assembly member introduces the bill.
2. Committee Review: The bill is assigned to a committee that studies its impact.
3. Floor Vote: The bill is debated and voted on in the chamber where it was introduced.
4. Other Chamber: If approved, the bill moves to the other chamber for a similar process.
5. Conference Committee: If changes are made, both chambers must agree on a final version.
6. Governor's Desk: The Governor can sign or veto the bill.
7. Law or Veto: If signed, the bill becomes law. If vetoed, it can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
Why It May Take Years
The legislative process is complex, involving multiple layers of review, debates, and approvals. Bills may undergo various amendments, get stalled in committees, or fail to gain enough support for a variety of reasons. The public also plays a role, as hearings and public input can influence the pace at which a bill progresses. Due to these various factors, it may take years for a bill like SB 696 to become law.
Conclusion
The Remote Online Notary SB 696 is a highly anticipated piece of legislation that holds the promise of revolutionizing the notary industry in California. While the legislative process can be long and arduous, the wait may well be worth it for the manifold benefits RON could bring to notaries and their clients alike.
Stay tuned for updates on SB 696 and what it means for the future of notarization in California!
Watch an interview with one of the major RON platforms - Notarize Genie
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