MA Enacts Permanent Remote Notarization Statutes

Massachusetts recently enacted House Bill 58, providing for both remote online and in-person electronic notarization.  Among other things, the bill repeals the temporary COVID authorization to perform remote notarizations.  The bill further revises a variety of current notarization requirements (such as applicable definitions and notarial seal requirements); these changes are effective on June 27, 2023.  Finally, the bill adds provisions (among other things) describing how notaries may conduct online and remote notarizations, and requiring the State Secretary to create and maintain a registry of communications technology service providers who meet certain standards, and to promulgate rules regarding online notarizations.  These provisions take effect on January 1, 2024.