Maine recently enacted H.P. 1033, which, among other things, temporarily extends the state’s remote notarization provisions.

H.P. 1033 continues the effects of Executive Order 37 FY 19/20 (EO 37), which, in part, temporarily authorized remote notarizations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  EO 37’s temporary remote notarization provisions were set to expire 30 days after the termination of the COVID-19 state of emergency.  H.P. 1033 extends those remote notarization provisions until January 1, 2023.

Additionally, H.P. 1033 directs the Secretary of State to conduct a study on remote and online notarizations, develop recommendations for their permanent implementation, and submit a report to the state legislature by February 1, 2022.  H.P. 1033 became effective on June 23, 2021.