1998-01-23                     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"