I am counsel to the Commission on Commerce and Crime working digital signature legislation to be introduced in the Spring 1997 session. The Commission has been meeting since August, and will have draft by November 1996. Electronic messages are deemed writings, and electronic signatures are deemed signatures. Digital signatures ae treated as one form of electronic signatures. Other hot issues are the best approach to regulation of Cas, i.e. by licensing or accreditation.
Quality control is a concern, in light of interstate nature of digital commerce.
Earlier this year Virginia passed legislation for a joint committee to study the digital signature issue to determine whether legislation is in the interest of Va. Diane Horvath is contact. First public meeting is Nov 6 1pm at Alexandria City Hall. Va has reviewed both the Utah and California legislation and has not yet decided upon an approach. Introduced legislation in Spring modeled on Utah. Tabled, and commission created to study.