Secretary of State Jena Griswold Applauds Signing of Remote Notary Legislation into Law

On Friday, June 26, Gov. Jared Polis signed the Remote Notary legislation into law. Colorado Secretary of State issued the following statement:

DENVER, Colo.- Today, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold applauded the signing of the Remote Notaries Protect Privacy bill into law after it passed the House and Senate unanimously. Following an Executive Order by Governor Polis in March, the Secretary of State’s office moved quickly to establish emergency rules allowing for remote notarization amidst the coronavirus pandemic. This legislation extends these emergency rules through December 31, 2020 through statute. During this time, the Secretary of State’s office will develop, build and certify permanent remote notary systems in Colorado which will take effect on December 31, 2020.

“This legislation ensures Coloradans can continue to move forward with important personal and business transactions, supporting critical activity in the midst of a global pandemic,” said Secretary Griswold. “I am proud of how quickly the Secretary of State’s office was able to implement temporary remote notary services at the onset of COVID-19. This legislation provides certainty to Colorado’s people and businesses that remote notary services will continue to be available in the future. I would like to thank Representatives Carver and Duran, and Senators Rodriguez and Holbert for their leadership on this issue.”

“I am proud of the work we have done to pass SB20-096, and grateful for the input of Secretary of State Jena Griswold and the support of all stakeholders involved,” said Representative Monica Duran. “This was a necessary, urgently needed change that benefits the health and safety of Coloradans.”

Highlights of the legislation include:

• An amendment to the bill extending the Secretary of State’s emergency rules authorizing remote notary until Dec 31, 2020 to preserve the remote notary option while the permanent rules and remote program are being built
• Privacy protections for individuals and transactions;
• Requirement that records must be stored and secured;
• Coloradans can choose to use in person services for real estate transactions such as Deeds and Titles if they do not want to use a Remote Notary;
• The Secretary of State has strong rulemaking powers to ensure the integrity, privacy, security and accessibility of records, and prescribe requirements for the use and approval of remote notary and storage systems.

For the Notice of Temporary Adoption for the Colorado Notary Program Rules (8 CCR 1505-11), please click here. The notice includes the readopted rules, a statement of basis, and statement of justification. For an unofficial copy of the notary rules as adopted and effective 6/26/2020, please click here.