A.  Notwithstanding any provision in the law relative to qualifications for and limitations on the number of notaries public, the secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections is authorized to designate officers in his office and appoint them as ex officio notaries public.

B.  Each officer so appointed may exercise the functions of a notary public only to administer oaths, receive sworn statements, and shall otherwise be limited to matters within the official functions of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

C.  All acts performed by such an ex officio notary public authorized by this Section shall be performed without charge or other compensation and without the necessity of giving bond.

D.  The secretary may suspend or terminate any appointment made pursuant to this Section at any time, and separation from the employ of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall automatically terminate the powers of such an ex officio notary public.

Acts 1991, No. 36, §1.