§9504.__Effect of use of digital signature

A digital signature may be accepted as a substitute for, and, if accepted, has the same force and effect as the use of, a manual signature.

§9505.__Use of digital signature

The use or acceptance of a digital signature is at the option of the parties.__Nothing in this chapter requires a public entity to use or permit the use of a digital signature.

§9506.__Construction

Except as otherwise specifically provided, nothing in this chapter may be construed to preempt, replace or otherwise negate the requirements of chapter 1051.

Sec. 3. Resolve 1999, c. 89, §7 is amended to read:

Sec.* 7. Report. Resolved: That no later than December 1, 1999, the commission shall submit its initial report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development 119th Legislature and the Executive Director of the Legislative Council. The Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development is authorized to report out a bill during the Second Regular Session of the 119th Legislature concerning the findings and recommendations of the commission.

The commission is authorized to meet following the conclusion of the Second Regular Session of the 119th Legislature to continue its work.__The commission shall end its work by November 15, 2000.__The commission shall submit its 2nd report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the First Regular Session of the 120th Legislature.

If the commission requires an extension, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension; and be it further