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Bill

A 969

Relates to requiring all banking organizations to have a notary public available during business hours

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Cunningham and 4 co-sponsors

New York law would require all banks to provide notary public services during business hours, increasing customer convenience but raising operational costs and staffing concerns for financial institutions.

REFERRED TO BANKS
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 969

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 969 mandates that all banking organizations in New York must employ or have access to a notary public during their standard business hours. The bill creates a service requirement for banks to provide notarization services to customers without requiring them to seek services elsewhere.

Why is this important

Notarization is a common requirement for legal documents, real estate transactions, power of attorney forms, and affidavits. Currently, customers often must visit separate notary services or travel to multiple locations to complete banking and notarization needs simultaneously. This requirement could increase convenience for consumers and reduce barriers to accessing essential notarial services, particularly in underserved areas where notaries may be scarce.

Potential points of contention

  • Operational burden and costs: Banks would face expenses for hiring certified notaries or contracting notary services, which could increase operational costs passed to consumers or shareholders
  • Staffing and availability requirements: Smaller banks and branches may struggle to maintain notary availability during all business hours, particularly in rural areas or during peak times
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify whether "notary public available" means a full-time employee, part-time contractor, or remote access arrangement, creating implementation uncertainty
  • Competitive fairness: Credit unions and non-bank financial institutions may not face similar requirements, creating uneven regulatory burdens across the financial services industry

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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