Bills Protecting Immigrants from Fraud Move Ahead in House and Senate

Legislation that would protect immigrants from fraud advanced through committees in both chambers this week. SB 846, sponsored by Senator Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton), was unanimously passed by the Senate Rules Committee on April 16, and HB 915, sponsored by Rep. Johanna López (D-Orlando), was approved unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee on April 17. Both bills have been placed on their respective chamber's calendar on second reading.

The bills would address notary public fraud, particularly focusing on immigration matters and the misuse of professional titles by notaries. They would prohibit a notary public from using specified terms, such as “notario público,” or any designation or title, in any language, which conveys or implies that he or she possesses professional legal skills in immigration law.

Some immigrants have become victims of fraud by those who have misrepresented themselves as immigration attorneys or consultants, often paying them large sums of money. The measure would create a civil cause of action for aggrieved parties to seek damages and legal fees.