§ 42-30.1-15. Commission as notary public - Qualifications - No immunity or benefit. (a) A notarial act may be performed in this state by:

(1) A notary public of this state;

(2) An individual qualified under subsection (b) of this section may apply to the commissioning officer for a commission as a notary public. The applicant shall comply with the information required herein and pay the sum of eighty dollars ($80.00).

(b) An applicant for a commission as a notary public must:

(1) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(2) Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States;

(3) Be a resident of or have a place of employment or practice in this state;

(4) Be able to read and write English;

(5) Not be disqualified to receive a commission under § 42-30.1-16; and

(6) Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the powers and duties pursuant to the requirements of this chapter.

(c) A member in good standing of the Rhode Island bar and certified public accountants under § 5-3.1-5, shall, regardless of residence, be appointed a notary public upon application and presentment of a certified copy of their certificate of admission to the bar or certificate of public accountancy;

(d) Every state senator, state representative, member of a city or town council, chief, deputy, and assistant clerk of any state court, clerks of the board of canvassers and workers' compensation court, municipal clerks, and the board of canvassers registrar may be appointed a notary public following election, appointment, or hiring, as applicable, and upon application and presentment of reasonable evidence of the office or employment, and shall retain the appointment throughout the uninterrupted duration and term of the office, appointment, or employment;

(1) No notary public set forth in subsection (d) shall be required to pay an application fee. The notaries public set forth in subsection (d) must complete the appropriate oath of office as set forth in subsection (2). The notaries public set forth in subsection (d) who may be reappointed or continued in office, may continue to officiate while in office without taking a new oath of office.

(2) Before issuance of a commission as a notary public, an applicant for the commission shall execute an oath of office and submit it to the commissioning agency.

(e) Two (2) police officers from each state and local police department of this state, as identified in writing by the chief of police.

(f) On compliance with this section, the commissioning officer shall issue a commission as a notary public to an applicant for a term of four (4) years.

(g) Every notary public appointed by the commissioning officer and not reappointed may continue to officiate for a space of thirty (30) days after the date on which his or her commission expires.

(h) A commission to act as a notary public authorizes the notary public to perform notarial acts. The commission does not provide the notary public any immunity or benefit conferred by law of this state on public officials or employees.

History of Section. (P.L. 2018, ch. 104, § 4; P.L. 2018, ch. 109, § 4.)