Sharon Runner

Martha Lough said

Dear Ms. Runner,

I wanted to let you know how unhappy I am with AB886 and to let you know how it is affecting me and my family personally. I am a former notary (my commission expired Feb. 10, 2008) and I took the class and exam to renew my license back on September 9, 2007. I passed the exam and initially was told there was no need to re-do live scan fingerprints in my situation (returning notary). Then the law was changed, and my understanding is that you initiated this bill.

Under the new law I had my live scan fingerprints and a passport photo submitted in a timely manner (before expiration of my commission). On March 1, 2008 I received a letter from the Secretary of State that my fingerprints had been rejected by the FBI (apparently for lack of clarity) and would have to be redone. I had the live-scan prints redone the same day and submitted it to the Secretary of State. I called the Secretary of State's office numerous times to determine the status of my commission - yesterday I was told it was rejected by the FBI again.

I am furious. Now the FBI is performing what they call a "name check" on me. It has been over seven months since I took my renewal exam and passed, yet I am prohibited from working in my chosen field and deprived of my livelihood. This is in my opinion, ridiculous bureaucratic red tape. I understand by talking to several of the employees at the Secretary of State's office that I am not alone in my anger.

Can you please tell me what the heck is going on? I cannot tell you how many clients and loan doc signings I have had to turn down because I haven't been able to renew my license in a timely manner - and I do not understand how you can let this happen.

I would appreciate a response from you. My email is paynelough@cox.net

Thank you,

Martha Lough