MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE PASSES BILL AUTHORIZING THE NOTARIZATION OF DOCUMENTS OVER VIDEO CONFERENCE DURING THE COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY
On Thursday, April 23
rd
, both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a measure allowing for the notarization of documents “utilizing electronic video conferencing in real time.” The bill, which effectively
suspends the requirement of physical presence
between the notary public and document signer and sets forth additional requirements relative to the closing of real estate transactions during the pendency of the COVID-19 state of emergency, will now move to Governor Baker’s desk for his signature. The bill is
temporary
, and will be
automatically repealed
three (3) business days after the state of emergency is lifted.