Notary Public - As enacted, adds that a person must complete a course of instruction and pass an examination to qualify to be commissioned as an online notary public; clarifies that an application to be commissioned requires a certification that the applicant has reviewed, understands, and will comply with the applicable rules and requirements promulgated by the secretary of state; adds that a course of instruction for online notarization must include, at a minimum, notarial laws, technology procedures of online notarizations, and ethical requirements for online notaries. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 16, Part 3.
SB 1051 creates new requirements for Tennessee online notaries. To qualify, applicants must complete a state-approved course covering notarial laws, online technology procedures, and ethics, then pass an exam. They must also provide a certification confirming they understand and will follow all relevant rules. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly affecting individuals seeking online notary commissions.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Signed into Law
Apr 2025
Introduced Feb 10, 2025
Signed Apr 3, 2025
Floor votes · Senate Mar 10, 2025
How they voted
35–0
Passed
Total votes 35
Mar 10, 2025
D
Democratic4
100% Yea
R
Republican31
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
18
Key actions
7
Committee
3
Apr 3, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Mar 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Mar 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Mar 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed H., Ayes 96, Nays 0, PNV 0
lower
Mar 10, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate, Ayes 30, Nays 0
upper
Mar 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Feb 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/4/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
John Stevens
RRepublican
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