§39-4-25. Rules.

(a) The Secretary of State may promulgate rules, in accordance with the provisions of chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, to implement this article. Rules promulgated regarding the performance of notarial acts with respect to electronic records may not require, or accord greater legal status or effect to, the implementation or application of a specific technology or technical specification. The rules may:

(1) Prescribe the manner of performing notarial acts regarding tangible and electronic records;

(2) Include provisions to ensure that any change to or tampering with a record bearing a certificate of a notarial act is self-evident;

(3) Include provisions to ensure integrity in the creation, transmittal, storage or authentication of electronic records or signatures;

(4) Prescribe the process of granting, renewing, conditioning, denying, suspending or revoking a notary public commission and assuring the trustworthiness of an individual holding a commission as notary public;

(5) Include provisions to prevent fraud or mistake in the performance of notarial acts;

(6) Establish the process for approving and accepting surety bonds and other forms of assurance under subsection (d), section twenty of this article; and

(7) Establish fees, with legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code. Fees collected by the Secretary of State pursuant to section two, article one, chapter fifty-nine of this code shall be deposited by the Secretary of State as follows: One-half shall be deposited in the state general revenue fund and one-half shall be deposited in the service fees and collections account established by section two, article one, chapter fifty-nine of this code for the operation of the office of the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall dedicate sufficient resources from that fund or other funds to provide the services required by the provisions of article four, chapter thirty-nine of this code.

(b) In promulgating, amending or repealing rules about notarial acts with respect to electronic records, the Secretary of State shall consider, so far as is consistent with this article:

(1) The most recent standards regarding electronic records promulgated by national bodies, such as the National Association of Secretaries of State;

(2) Standards, practices and customs of other jurisdictions that substantially enact this article; and

(3) The views of governmental officials and entities and other interested persons.