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FHFA extends loan processing flexibilities offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
On May 5, FHFA announced that it extended several loan processing flexibilities offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to assist borrowers during the Covid-19 emergency. The flexibilities include permitting alternative appraisals for certain loans, alternative methods for verifying employment before loan closing, flexibilities for providing documentation related to renovation draws, and expanding the use of power of attorney and remote online notarization. The flexibilities are extended until at least June 30.
North Carolina passes Covid-19 Recovery Act
On May 5, the North Carolina governor signed the Covid-19 Recovery Act, which provides certain relief to North Carolinians in response to the Covid-19 crisis. Among other things, the legislation authorizes emergency video notarization and video witnessing during the state of emergency. The legislation also provides limited immunity to essential businesses from civil liability for claims alleged to have been caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Essential businesses include financial and insurance institutions, as determined by Executive Order 121, and any business that the Department of Revenue determines is essential.
Missouri extends various executive orders issued in response to Covid-19
On May 4, the Missouri governor issued Executive Order 20-10, which extends Executive Orders 20-04 (authorizing specific departments to waive or suspend statutory requirements and administrative rules), 20-05 (relating to the restaurant industry), 20-06 (relating to organized militia), and 20-08 (relating to remote notarization), issued in response to Covid-19. Executive Order 20-04 was previously covered here and Executive Order 20-08 was previously covered here.
Illinois issues executive order amending and reissuing remote notarization and witnessing guidelines
On April 30, the Illinois governor issued an executive order amending and reissuing guidelines relating to remote notarization and witnessing. The guidelines are extended through May 29, 2020.
Massachusetts securities regulator extends temporary relief for corporations and financial professionals
On April 30, the Massachusetts Securities Division extended an emergency notice announcing temporary relief from signature and notarization requirements for corporate filings and financial professionals (previously covered here). The extension will be in place until May 31 unless otherwise amended.
Alaska governor signs remote notarization bill into law
On April 30, the Alaska governor signed into law H.B. 124, which amends Alaska’s notarization law to permit remote notarization. The amendments set forth the requirements for conducting remote notarization, including the selection of technologies to perform the remote notarization and record keeping requirements.
Kansas issues executive order extending certain orders relating to the Covid-19 pandemic
On April 30, the Kansas governor issued an executive order delaying the sunset date of several existing executive orders relating to Covid-19 to May 31, 2020, or until the statewide state of disaster emergency relating to Covid-19 expires, whichever is earlier, with some exceptions. Among others, the executive order delays the sunset date for the order halting certain foreclosures and evictions (previously covered here) as well as the order temporarily allowing notaries and witnesses to act via audio-visual technology (previously covered here).
Colorado governor extends executive order allowing remote notarizations
On April 30, Colorado Governor Jared Polis extended a previous executive order allowing remote notarizations due to the Covid-19 crisis. The initial order, issued on March 27, waived the in-person requirement for notarizations. The extension is valid for 30 days, unless extended further by subsequent executive order.
Texas governor permits remote notarization of real estate instruments
On April 29, the governor of Texas temporarily permitted persons to appear before a notary public via videoconference when executing real estate instruments such as mortgages. The Office of the Attorney General issued a set of conditions that must be met when using remote methods of notarization. These include the use of two-way video and audio communication permitting contemporaneous interaction, verification of identity, recordkeeping requirements, and attestations of the signatory and notary that they are physically located in Texas.
Iowa adopts rulemaking for remote notarial acts
On April 29, the Iowa secretary of state adopted rules governing remote notarizations. The rules, which take effect July 1, 2020, govern training, technology, standards for communication, and proof of identity for remote notarial acts.