On March 26, Governor Kay Ivey issued a proclamation that temporarily allows notaries who are licensed attorneys or operating under the supervision of a licensed attorney to notarize signatures through videoconferencing programs and confirm the signatures of witnesses who participate virtually through videoconferencing as if they were physically present at the signing.  In addition, any person who witnesses a document through videoconferencing technology can now be considered an “in person” witness, provided that the presence and identity of the witness is validated by the notary at the time of signing using the same identification that is required under current law.  The official date and time will be the date and time when the notary witnesses the signature via videoconference.  Further, all documents must be returned to the notary for certification and execution.  These new temporary rules will remain in effect for the duration of the public health emergency unless rescinded or extended by proclamation.