Peace Garden News

The introduction of the bipartisan Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic (SECURE) Notarization Act aims to extend the availability of Remote Online Notarizations (RON) across the United States. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Mark Warner (D-VA) spearheaded the bill, intending to harmonize the digital notarization process, currently inconsistent due to varying state regulations. The bill seeks to allow nationwide recognition and application of RON, insisting on secure procedures with multifactor authentication.

"We've made a lot of progress toward much more widespread use of online notarizations in the past few years, particularly through the pandemic," highlighted the Senators. They noted that the inconsistency in state regulations limits consumer access and undermines interstate commerce. They advocate for a legislative solution to ensure uniform validity and secure execution of online notarizations nationwide.

Senator Warner emphasized modernization, saying, "It’s time to finally bring the notarization process into the 21st century." He pointed to remote notarizations as more convenient and safe, allowing completion of vital documents like wills and home transactions online. The bill is structured to integrate seamlessly with existing state regulations, such as those in North Dakota.

Several key industry groups support the bill, including the American Land Title Association, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of REALTORS, and American Council of Life Insurers. These organizations see the SECURE Notarization Act as significant progress toward efficient real estate and mortgage transactions.

"Senators Cramer and Warner have been longstanding champions in recognizing the clear benefits of extending RON access to all Americans and leading this bipartisan legislation," said an advocate. The emphasis on a robust and secure system aligns with consumer demand for convenient remote transactions.

The Mortgage Bankers Association specifically applauds the bill's potential to streamline mortgage processes nationwide. "MBA appreciates Senator Cramer and Warner’s commitment to enable nationwide use of RON technology," acknowledged a spokesperson.

The National Association of REALTORS also supports the initiative, viewing it as essential to the modernization of real estate transactions by maintaining secure and accessible notarized records. In the words of an industry representative, "This commonsense, bipartisan bill will modernize an essential part of real estate transactions by allowing nationwide use of secure, remote online notarization."

Representatives from the life insurance industry express similar sentiments, acknowledging the practicality of RON observed during the pandemic and supporting its universal application.

The bill is pending further legislative processes as supporters advocate for its passage to enhance consumer convenience and transaction security nationwide.