Representative Kevin Murphy (D-Lowell) is filing legislation that, if enacted, will supersede the recently released Executive Order regarding Notary Publics. This Order, thought by many to impose undue burdens on Notaries, does not go into effect until April 19. Rep Murphy’s bill (there are a number of co-sponsors) would direct Secretary of State William Galvin to promulgate regulations regarding the conduct of Notaries. The bill would also limit the use of certain translations of the term “Notary Public” that, in other languages, might imply that the Notary is an attorney or a specialist in immigration law. While there is certainly a need for the Commonwealth to provide guidelines for Notaries, the governor’s effort over does it.
