Earlier this week, the Commonwealth's Information Technology Division was asked to testify before the Rhode Island legislature on a bill substantially similar to the Massachusetts draft. Other jurisdictions are also pursuing this legislative course. I would request the feedback of this esteemed committee on the current draft Massachusetts legislation. The decisions made within State Governments relating to information technology have profound impact within and beyond their boarders. Issues relating to the creation of Information Infrastructures, effects on the market and the promulgation of legally binding requirements are all fundamental to the evolution of electronic commerce and online government.
States truly are the laboratories of experimentation.
States, by virtue of their size and heritage, are in a good position to move relatively quickly and also to wield significant influence, especially when working together. States are also closer to the citizenry and constituent business communities that national and international bodies that seek to map the future of electronic commerce. As such, states are a remarkably responsive, accountable and dynamic layer of government. These qualities are among the strongest virtues to be sought in the public sector as our nation and the world transitions to the digital age. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is working hard to meet the challenge of devising responsible, thoughtful and proactive policy.