AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 20 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC PROTECTIONS DURING THE COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY AND NOTARIZATION.

This Act ensures that the protections put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic related to notarizations do not cease immediately upon the lifting of the COVID-19 State of Emergency, but instead continue until June 30, 2021. The Act authorizes remote notarization and witnessing by Delaware attorneys via audio-visual technology and sets forth conditions under which they can be performed. The Delaware Governmental Offices’ requirement for a wet signature is waived. The Recorder of Deeds is required to accept documents notarized and witnessed under specified procedures in the Eleventh Modification. This Act ensures that the General Assembly will have another opportunity to express its will on continuing this protection by including an internal sunset date.