Legislature(2003 - 2004)
04/13/2004 03:25 PM House FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 439
An Act relating to the authority to take oaths,
affirmations, and acknowledgments in the state;
relating to notaries public; relating to fees for
issuing certificates with the seal of the state
affixed; and providing for an effective date.
ANNETTE KREITZER, CHIEF OF STAFF, OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT
GOVERNOR, pointed out the positive fiscal note accompanying
HB 439. She highlighted the comparison chart and the
sectional analysis. (Copy on File). The sectional analysis
outlines the changes that occurred in the House State
Affairs and House Judiciary Committees.
The bill is a result of research handled by the Office of
the Lieutenant Governor and among 12,000 notaries statewide.
In the prepared bill, the qualification age has been lowered
to 18 years old. The residency requirement made is
consistent with general residency statute AS 01.10.055,
rather than separate definition. The terms would remain the
same. The $2 dollar per certificate fee has been increased
to $5 dollars per certificate. The bond amount was not
changed.
Ms. Kreitzer continued, highlighting the two types of
commissions, public notaries and the limited governmental
notary public commissions. The Lt. Governor, for good cause
via a formal disciplinary procedure, could make a commission
revocation. The notary information currently available
remains unchanged. The notary's name, mailing address,
surety information and commission dates continue to be
publicly available. There will be no changes to the non-
commissioned notaries.
Ms. Kreitzer added that it is intended to move toward a web-
based system.
Representative Foster referenced the comparison chart,
inquiring how it was intended to work in rural Alaska.
SCOTT CLARK, NOTARY ADMINISTRATOR, OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT
GOVERNOR, explained that beside commercial bonds, there are
individual assurities. A person applying for the notary
commission can have a relative or friend act assurity on a
bond. It does not involve any expense on the applicant's
part.
Representative Foster pointed out that the chart implies
that applicants cannot have a felon conviction for a ten-
year period. Mr. Clark responded that currently there are
no restrictions for felons serving as notaries.
Ms. Kreitzer stated that the bill had not been introduced
with language addressing that concern. The Lt. Governor
offered to consider the right to be a notary if there was a
good compromise. From statistics, the Department of
Corrections has indicated that if someone was free from
committing a felony for 10-years following the initial
felony, there is a good chance that person would not be
committing another felony. She clarified that the language
was a compromise. That statement surprised Representative
Foster as he thought a person could not vote if they had
been a felon. Ms. Kreitzer advised that voting rights can
be restored.
Co-Chair Williams stated that HB 439 would be HELD in
Committee for further consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|