A bill empowering notaries public to conduct business by video conference is on the move in a House committee one day after the Senate approved it.

The House Ways and Means Committee started to poll members around 5:40 p.m. Wednesday on whether to advance the legislation (S.2645). Representatives were given until 10 a.m. Thursday to weigh in, and if they recommend its passage, as is likely, it could emerge for a vote in the House as soon as an 11 a.m. informal session scheduled Thursday.

Under the bill, notaries public in Massachusetts would be permitted to perform “an acknowledgement, affirmation or other notarial act” through real-time videoconference rather than an in-person transaction for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis. Principals and notaries public involved in the transactions must be located in Massachusetts, and principals must also provide evidence to confirm their identities.

The provisions, aimed at allowing the key business transactions like home sales to continue without violating social-distancing practices, would last until three days after Gov. Charlie Baker repeals his state of emergency declaration.