House Committee Passes Remote Online Notary Legislation

The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic Notarization Act of 2021 (H.R. 3962).

We thank our bill co-sponsors from Virginia!

• Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]
• Rep. Luria, Elaine G. [D-VA-2]
• Rep. Good, Bob [R-VA-5]
• Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9]
• Rep. Wexton, Jennifer [D-VA-10]

H.R. 3962 would allow for the immediate nationwide use of remote online notarization technology, provides certainty for interstate recognition of the technology, and establishes robust consumer protection standards. Current notary requirements requiring the physical presence of the signer are often impractical, a point driven home by recent experience with COVID-19 related distancing practices.

In Virginia, notarizing a document “remotely” is already permissible. In fact, Virginia became the first state in 2012 to formally authorize and provide a legal framework for such notarizations. A national standard and broader acceptance of such services will make it easier for Virginia-based credit unions to utilize this option.

"We continue to fight for commonsense legislation, like the SECURE Act, to enable credit unions to more easily serve their members, while lessening regulatory and operational burdens," noted League Director of Grassroots Programs and Political Fundraising CeJae Vtipilson.