Legislature(1997 - 1998)
1998-01-23 House Journal
Full Journal pdf1998-01-23 House Journal Page 2116 HB 345 HOUSE BILL NO. 345 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to electronic records and signatures, revising certain requirements that signatures be notarized or verified, and providing for electronic records in the state archives; relating to the permanency of records in the state archives; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Telecommunications and the Labor & Commerce Committee. 1998-01-23 House Journal Page 2117 HB 345 The following fiscal note applies: Zero fiscal note, Office of the Governor/All depts., 1/23/98 The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22, 1998, appears below: "Dear Speaker Phillips: Alaska can take a positive step into the age of technology by allowing industry and government to conduct business electronically. This bill I transmit today will legalize electronic signatures in our state, providing an opportunity for state agencies to better serve the public "online" and for businesses to act with increased efficiency. This bill has been developed under the direction of the state Telecommunications Information Council. It is modeled on the Georgia State Act, which is considered one of the foremost electronic signature laws in the United States. The bill would legalize electronic signatures between consenting parties and authorize state agencies to use electronic signatures in interactions with the public. Some notarization requirements that could hinder an agency's ability to use electronic signatures would be repealed. This legislation updates our laws to better mesh the new technological realities of how business and government can be conducted more efficiently. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor"