Sen. Newhouse and Rep. Ford file legislation to modernize county clerk services

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Joe Newhouse, R-Tulsa, filed legislation to allow certified copies of county land records to be signed, notarized and recorded electronically. Newhouse carried similar legislation last year that was unanimously passed in the Senate but did not receive a floor hearing in the House of Representatives.

“This bill would eliminate the inconvenience of physically appearing at the county clerk’s office or waiting for documents to arrive in the mail,” Newhouse said. “It's time for Oklahoma to catch up with other states that have been doing this for years. It would be more convenient and cost effective for these records to be delivered electronically.”

The measure does not require electronic copies, but simply makes them available to any of the state’s 77 county clerks who would like to utilize the service. The fee for an electronically certified copy would be the same as a paper copy.

Senate Bill 78 is supported by Tulsa County Clerk Michael Willis and the Oklahoma County Clerks Association.

Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, will carry the bill in the House.

“This bill ensures the safety of the information shared electronically while modernizing our clerks’ offices,” Ford said. “I’m glad to help speed up services offered to the public and stand ready to help get this bill through the legislative process.”

The 59^th Legislature will officially convene on Feb. 6, and measures can then be considered.

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For more information, contact:

Sen. Joe Newhouse at 405-521-5675, or email Joe.Newhouse@oksenate.gov