He noted that language was included to give regulators the authority to waive aspects of the consumer consent process if they became too burdensome. Both the House and Senate passed e-signature bills with little opposition last November, but resolving differences between the two bills has proved to be difficult. The administration and some Democrats opposed sections they said could weaken consumer protections while business groups lobbied against provisions on consumer consent they said would hinder smooth e-commerce transactions. Some businesses had sought a later date. The negotiators also closed a loophole that would have made it easier for states to pre-empt the federal law.
States can still demand paper forms on such matters as public health and safety.
Under the bill, consumers must ''opt in'' for electronic records, ensuring that those who don't have access to computers or prefer written forms won't be left unaware when a company electronically serves notice on such matters as warranties, changes in interest rates or recalls. Marc Brailov, spokesman for the American Electronics Association, said his group was pleased with the final product. He called it ''a vital prerequisite to the continued growth of e-commerce. It provides legal certainty for online business.'' Copyright 2000 Associated Press . All rights reserved.