Ohio Code 147.032 – Investigations; penalties
(A)(1) If the secretary of state believes that a violation of this chapter has occurred, the secretary of state may investigate such violations.
Terms Used In Ohio Code 147.032
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Person: includes an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, and association. See Ohio Code 1.59
- state: means the state of Ohio. See Ohio Code 1.59
(2) The secretary of state may investigate possible violations of this chapter upon a signed complaint from any person.
(B) The secretary of state may hold a disciplinary hearing if the secretary of state determines a hearing to be appropriate after an investigation conducted under division (A) of this section.
(C) After holding an administrative hearing and concluding that a violation of this chapter has occurred, the secretary of state may do any of the following:
(1) Revoke the notary public’s commission;
(2) Suspend the notary public’s commission for a specified period of time or until fulfillment of a condition, such as retraining, or both.
(3) Issue a letter of admonition that shall be placed in the notary public’s record.
(D) A person whose notary commission has been revoked may not apply for a subsequent notary commission.
(E) The secretary of state may adopt rules under Chapter 119 of the Revised Code to set forth procedures for investigations and hearings regarding violations of this chapter and disciplinary actions taken.
(F) The secretary of state may establish an advisory board to meet as the secretary of state considers necessary to discuss matters related to notary law and procedures.