What is the new law (SB 696 - Notaries Public - Remote Online Notorization (RON)) for Notaries in California?

Senate Bill 696, also known as the Online Notarization Act, was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 30, 2023. This new law allows California notaries to conduct remote notarizations using audio-video communication and online notarization platforms in order to offer notarial services. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2030. However, its implementation is contingent upon the Secretary of State certifying that the necessary technology project has been completed to support the new provisions.