In this task, you are given text for US Congressional and California state bills, your task is to generate a summary for this bill.

Example Input: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Columbia River Habitat Protection
and Recreational Access Act of 1997''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The 51-mile stretch of the Columbia River, known as the
''Hanford Reach'', provides 80 percent of the fall Chinook
salmon in the river system, critical habitat for wildlife, a
high-quality waterfowl sanctuary, as well as numerous scenic,
historic, and recreational opportunities for the public.
(2) In 1996 Congress, through Public Law 104-333,
prohibited damming, dredging, channeling, or other such
activities along the Hanford Reach in order to help preserve
and protect the unique environmental benefits of the region.
(3) The lands surrounding the Hanford Reach area of the
Columbia River, Washington, should be properly managed in order
to protect plant, fish, wildlife, cultural, recreational, and
scenic resources, while preserving access to these lands.
(4) Recognizing the unique and pristine values of the area,
local citizens in cooperation with Federal and State
authorities have developed a comprehensive protection plan
which has enhanced salmon habitat along the Hanford Reach. This
plan, known as the Vernita Bar Agreement, has preserved the
free flowing, riparian character of the Hanford Reach, and
serves as a blueprint for further successful management along
the Columbia River.
(5) Although dozens of local, State, and Federal
environmental protection and management laws and regulations
exist for the Hanford Reach, management efforts can be better
integrated and can lead to more efficient use of public
resources and improved habitat and recreation management.
(6) Several of the areas adjacent to the Hanford Reach of
the Columbia River, including lands known as the Wahluke Slope,
currently owned by the United States, have been extensively
studied and reviewed through environmental impact statements
and have been declared environmentally sound and certified
suitable for conveyance.
(7) Inasmuch as Federal financial resources are
constrained, joint partnerships among Federal, State, and local
entities can provide long-term habitat and wildlife management,
maintain recreational opportunities, and develop a responsible
and environmentally sound local land use plan for the region.
(8) The people and the governments of Benton, Franklin,
Grant, and Adams Counties desire to enter into such a
partnership with the State of Washington and the United States
to ensure the continued protection of plant, fish, wildlife,
cultural, recreational, and scenic resources on the lands
surrounding the Hanford Reach.
(9) Such a cooperative partnership will provide a forum for
public input from the entire region and ensure the long-term
protection of the river as wild, scenic, and accessible.
(10) Congress recommends the formation of a commission, of
which a majority of the members of such a commission represent
the local entities, to ensure that the above goals are achieved
and to maintain maximum involvement by the citizens of Benton,
Franklin, Grant, and Adams Counties.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this Act--
(1) the term ''Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy;
(2) the term ''Hanford Works'' means the property
represented as ''Department of Energy'' under the Land Status
Legend on the Bureau of Land Management topographic map of
Priest Rapids, Washington, Edition-1991; and
(3) the term ''Commission'' means the Hanford Reach
Protection and Management Commission.

SEC. 4. GENERAL AUTHORITY; PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONS.

(a) Authority.--As soon as practicable after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary for no consideration shall convey
to the governmental entities referred to in subsection (b) all right,
title, and interest of the United States in and to the properties
described in subsection (b).
(b) Conveyances.--
(1) State of washington.--The Secretary shall convey to the
State of Washington the property that consists of the portion
of the Hanford Works that runs along both banks of the Columbia
River and lies within the one quarter mile to the north of the
mean high water mark on the north bank of the Columbia River,
and that lies within the one quarter mile to the south of the
mean high water mark on the south bank of the Columbia River.
(2) Adams county, washington.--The Secretary shall convey
to Adams County, Washington, the property that consists of the
portion of the Hanford Works that lies within Adams County,
Washington.
(3) Grant county, washington.--The Secretary shall convey
to Grant County, Washington, the property that consists of the
portion of the Hanford Works that lies within Grant County,
Washington, to the north of the Columbia River and that is not
part of the conveyance made pursuant to paragraph (1) of this
subsection.
(4) Franklin county, washington.--The Secretary shall
convey to Franklin County, Washington, the property that
consists of the portion of Hanford Works that lies within
Franklin County, Washington, to the north of the Columbia River
and that is not part of the conveyance made pursuant to
paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(5) Additional properties.--In addition to properties
described in paragraphs (1) through (4), the Secretary may
convey to a State or local government referred to in paragraphs
(1) through (4) such property within the Hanford Works as the
Secretary and the State or local government agree is
appropriate to carry out this Act.

SEC. 5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

(a) Special Rules for State of Washington.--
(1) Environmental safety.--The conveyance made under
section 4(b)(1) shall be made only after the Administrator of
the Environmental Protection Agency certifies to the Secretary
that--
(A) the properties described in section 4(b)(1) are
clean of hazardous, toxic, or radioactive materials or
substances;
(B) all corrective, remedial, or response actions
have been completed; and
(C) all obligations of the Secretary at the Hanford
Nuclear Reservation under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and other applicable
laws have been fulfilled.
(2) Federal leaseholds.--Any leasehold interest by any
agency of the United States on lands described under section
4(b) shall terminate upon enactment of this Act, and such
interest shall be transferred pursuant to section 4.
(3) Water rights and utility easements.--The conveyances
under section 4 shall be made subject to all existing water
rights and all easements and rights of any public and private
utility districts which operate and maintain transmission and
generation facilities along the lands described under section
4.
(b) Establishment of Hanford Reach Protection and Management
Commission.--Not later than 6 months after the conveyances under
section 4(b)(1) are made, the State of Washington shall enter into a
written joint agreement with the governments of Benton, Franklin, and
Grant Counties to establish the Hanford Reach Protection and Management
Commission as follows:
(1) Membership appointment.--The Commission shall be
composed of 7 members. As soon as practicable, but not more
than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
members shall be appointed as follows:
(A) One member who shall be a resident of Benton
County, appointed by the government of such county.
(B) One member who shall be a resident of Franklin
County, appointed by the government of such county.
(C) One member who shall be a resident of Grant
County, appointed by the government of such county.
(D) One member who shall be a resident of the State
of Washington, appointed by the Governor of the State
of Washington.
(E) One member who shall be a resident of the State
of Washington, appointed by the Secretary of Energy.
(F) One member who shall be a resident of the State
of Washington, appointed by the Secretary of the
Interior.
(G) One member who shall be a resident of any
county in the State of Washington through or along
which the Columbia River runs, appointed by a majority
vote of the other members of the Commission.
(2) Terms of office.--The length of the terms of office of
the members appointed under (1) shall be fixed by each
appointing governmental entity at the time of appointment, but
no term shall exceed 4 years.
(3) Vacancy.--Any vacancy that may occur prior to the
expiration of a member's term shall be filled for the balance
of such term by appointment made by the entity which appointed
the vacating member.
(4) Restriction.--Except as provided herein, no person
shall be appointed to the Commission who is an employee, agent,
or independent contractor of the United States or any agency
thereof.
(5) Failure to appoint.--In the event a member has not been
appointed within 6 months of the establishment of the
Commission, any such vacancy shall be filled by joint
appointment by the governments of Benton, Franklin, and Grant
Counties.
(6) Establishment of commission authority.--As soon as
practicable after the appointment of a majority of the members
of the Commission, such members shall be authorized to convene
meetings of the Commission and to adopt rules and provisions
governing the administration, voting, meeting, terms of
service, and finances of the Commission. The first meeting
shall be held no later than 1 year from the date of the
establishment of the Commission.
(7) Development of hanford reach protection and management
plan.--
(A) The primary duty of the Commission shall be to
develop and implement a plan to manage the lands
conveyed pursuant to section 4(b)(1) to protect and
enhance plant resources, fish and wildlife resources,
cultural resources, recreational access, and other uses
or resources prescribed by the Commission.
(B) From the date the conveyances under section
4(b)(1) are made until such time as a permanent
protection and management plan is approved by the
Commission, the lands conveyed pursuant to such section
shall be managed under an interim management plan
approved by the governments of Benton, Franklin, and
Grant Counties, which shall be consistent with the
purposes of this Act.
(c) Nonperformance of State of Washington, Transfer to and
Management by Counties Authorized.--If the State of Washington does not
fulfill its obligations under subsection (b), all right, title, and
interest to the property conveyed pursuant to section 4(b)(1) shall be
transferred to the counties, with the consent of such counties, in
which the lands are situated in order to carry out the purposes of this
Act, and the governments of such counties shall jointly establish the
Commission pursuant to subsection (b) and to provide for the management
of the lands conveyed pursuant to section 4(b)(1).
(d) Reversion and Right To Reenter.--If the State of Washington
does not fulfill its obligations under subsection (b), and if the
governments of Benton, Franklin, and Grant Counties do not fulfill
their obligations under subsection (c), all right, title, and interest
to the property conveyed pursuant to section 4(b)(1) shall revert to
the United States and the United States shall have the right of
immediate entry thereon.
(e) Use of Federal Resources Authorized.--The Secretary of the
Interior may enter into agreements with the State of Washington and the
governmental entities referred to in paragraphs (1) through (4) of
section 4(b) to allow the utilization of personnel, and the provision
of technical and financial assistance from the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service to assist the county governments in the administration
and management of the lands transferred under this Act.
(f) Special Rule for Adams County, Grant County, and Franklin
County.--The properties described under paragraphs (2) through (4) of
section 4(b) shall be conveyed only after Adams County, Grant County,
and Franklin County, Washington, have submitted a written report to the
Secretary of the Interior which shall include--
(1) a risk analysis of debris slides in the White Bluffs
Wasteway;
(2) any recommendations necessary to address the risk of
such slides; and
(3) a comprehensive land use plan of the Wahluke Slope.
Example Output: Columbia River Habitat Protection and Recreational Access Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to convey to the State of Washington and to Adams, Grant, and Franklin counties in Washington specified portions of the Hanford Works, an area of property along the Columbia River in Washington. Allows such conveyances only after the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has made specified certifications to the Secretary with respect to the appropriate environmental cleanup of such area.
Directs the State of Washington to enter into a joint agreement with Benton, Franklin, and Grant Counties to establish the Hanford Reach Protection and Management Commission, which shall develop and implement a plan to manage the lands conveyed by the Secretary in order to protect and enhance plant, fish and wildlife, and cultural resources, as well as recreational access to, and other uses of, Hanford Reach (a 51-mile stretch of land along the Columbia River containing fish, wildlife, and other resources).
Requires Adams, Grant, and Franklin Counties to submit to the Secretary: (1) a risk analysis of debris slides in the White Bluffs Wasteway; and (2) a comprehensive land use plan of the Wahluke Slope.

Example Input: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Pension Assistance and Counseling
Act of 1999''.

SEC. 2. PENSION COUNSELING PROGRAMS.

Title VII of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3058 et
seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subtitle C as subtitle D;
(2) by redesignating sections 761 through 764 as sections
791 through 794, respectively; and
(3) by inserting after subtitle B the following:

''Subtitle C--Pension Counseling

''SEC. 761. PENSION COUNSELING PROGRAM.

''(a) Definitions.--In this section:
''(1) Pension and other retirement benefits.--The term
'pension and other retirement benefits' means private, civil
service, and other public pensions and retirement benefits,
including benefits provided under--
''(A) the Social Security program carried out under
title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et
seq.);
''(B) the railroad retirement program carried out
under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C.
231 et seq.);
''(C) the government retirement benefits programs
carried out under--
''(i) the Civil Service Retirement System
set forth in subchapter III of chapter 83 of
title 5, United States Code;
''(ii) the Federal Employees Retirement
System set forth in chapter 84 of title 5,
United States Code;
''(iii) title 10, United States Code; or
''(iv) any other government retirement
system, including any Government pension plan
as such term is defined under section 9502 of
title 31, United States Code; or
''(D) the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.).
''(2) Pension counseling program.--The term 'pension
counseling program' means a program described in subsection
(c).
''(b) Establishment.--The Assistant Secretary shall establish and
carry out pension counseling projects. In carrying out the projects,
the Assistant Secretary shall award grants under subsection (c) and
(d).
''(c) Pension Counseling Programs.--
''(1) Use of funds.--In carrying out the projects specified
in subsection (b), the Assistant Secretary shall award grants
to eligible entities to establish programs that create or
continue a sufficient number of pension assistance and
counseling projects to provide outreach, information,
counseling, referral, and other assistance regarding pension
and other retirement benefits, and rights related to such
benefits, to individuals throughout the United States.
''(2) Award of grants.--
''(A) Type of entity.--The Assistant Secretary
shall award under this subsection--
''(i) grants to State agencies or area
agencies on aging; and
''(ii) grants to nonprofit organizations
with a proven record of providing--
''(I) services related to
retirement of older individuals; or
''(II) specific pension counseling.
''(B) Panel.--In awarding grants under this
subsection, the Assistant Secretary shall use a citizen
advisory panel that shall include representatives of
business, labor, national senior advocates, and
national pension rights advocates.
''(C) Criteria.--In awarding grants under this
subsection, the Assistant Secretary, after consultation
with the panel, shall use as criteria--
''(i) evidence of commitment of an agency
or organization to carry out a proposed pension
counseling program;
''(ii) the ability of the agency or
organization to perform effective outreach to
affected populations, particularly populations
identified as in need of special outreach;
''(iii) reliable information that the
population to be served by the agency or
organization has a demonstrable need for the
services proposed to be provided under the
program; and
''(iv) evidence of ability of the agency or
organization to provide services under the
program on a statewide or regional basis.
''(3) Application.--
''(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a
grant under this subsection, an entity shall submit an
application to the Assistant Secretary at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the
Assistant Secretary may require, including, at a
minimum--
''(i) a plan for the establishment of a
pension counseling program to serve a specific
geographic area; and
''(ii) an assurance that staff members
(including volunteer staff members) have no
conflict of interest in providing the services
described in the plan.
''(B) Plan.--The plan described in subparagraph (A)
shall provide for a program that--
''(i) establishes or continues a State or
area pension counseling service;
''(ii) provides counseling (including
direct counseling and assistance to individuals
needing information) and information that may
assist individuals in establishing rights to,
obtaining, and filing claims or complaints
related to, pension and other retirement
benefits;
''(iii) provides information on sources of
pension and other retirement benefits,
including the benefits under programs described
in subsection (a)(1);
''(iv) makes referrals to legal services
and other advocacy programs;
''(v) establishes a system of referral to
Federal, State, and local departments or
agencies related to pension and other
retirement benefits;
''(vi) provides a sufficient number of
staff positions (including volunteer positions)
to ensure information, counseling, referral,
and assistance regarding pension and other
retirement benefits;
''(vii) provides training programs for
staff members, including volunteer staff
members of the programs described in subsection
(a)(1);
''(viii) makes recommendations to the
Administration, the Department of Labor, and
other Federal, State, and local agencies
concerning issues for older individuals related
to pension and other retirement benefits; and
''(ix) establishes or continues to provide
projects to provide outreach, information,
counseling, referral, and other assistance
regarding pension and other retirement
benefits, with particular emphasis on outreach
to women, minorities, and low-income retirees.
''(d) Training and Technical Assistance Program.--
''(1) Use of funds.--In carrying out the projects described
in subsection (b), the Assistant Secretary shall award a grant
to an eligible entity to establish a training and technical
assistance program to provide--
''(A) information and technical assistance to the
staffs of entities operating pension counseling
programs; and
''(B) assistance to the entities, including
assistance in designing program evaluation tools.
''(2) Eligible entity.--Entities eligible to receive grants
under this subsection include nonprofit private organizations
with records of providing national information, referral, and
advocacy in matters related to pension and other retirement
benefits.
''(3) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this subsection, an entity shall submit an application to the
Assistant Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Assistant Secretary may
require.
''(e) Pension Assistance Hotline and Interagency Coordination.--The
Assistant Secretary shall enter into interagency agreements for the
establishment and operation of, and dissemination of information about,
a telephone hotline for individuals seeking outreach, information,
counseling, referral, and assistance regarding pension and other
retirement benefits, and rights related to such benefits. The Assistant
Secretary shall also enter into agreements with the Secretary of Labor
and with the heads of other Federal agencies that regulate the
provision of pension and other retirement benefits, as the Assistant
Secretary determines to be appropriate, in order to carry out this
subsection and to develop a nationwide public-private pension
assistance system.
''(f) Report to Congress.--
''(1) Preparation.--The Assistant Secretary shall prepare a
report that--
''(A) summarizes the distribution of funds
authorized for grants under this section and the
expenditure of such funds;
''(B) summarizes the scope and content of training
and assistance provided under a program carried out
under this section and the degree to which the training
and assistance can be replicated;
''(C) outlines the problems that individuals
participating in programs funded under this section
encountered concerning rights related to pension and
other retirement benefits; and
''(D) makes recommendations regarding the manner in
which services provided in programs funded under this
section can be incorporated into the ongoing programs
of State agencies, area agencies on aging, multipurpose
senior centers, and other similar entities.
''(2) Submission.--Not later than 30 months after the date
of enactment of this section, the Assistant Secretary shall
submit the report described in paragraph (1) to the Committee
on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate.
''(g) Administrative Expenses.--Of the funds appropriated under
subsection (h) to carry out this section for a fiscal year, not more
than $100,000 may be used by the Administration for administrative
expenses in carrying out this section.
''(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for each of fiscal years 2000 through 2003.''.

SEC. 3. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

(a) Repealer.--Section 429J of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42
U.S.C. 3035r) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (b) of section 794 of the
Older Americans Act of 1965 (as redesignated in section 2(2)) is
amended by striking ''entities described in section 751(c)'' and
inserting ''persons and entities described in section 793(b)''.
Example Output: Specifies that such grants shall be awarded to: (1) State agencies or area agencies on aging; (2) nonprofit organizations with a proven record of providing services related to retirement of older individuals or specific pension counseling; and (3) an eligible entity to establish a training and technical assistance program to provide information and technical assistance to the staffs of entities operating pension counseling programs and assistance to such entities, including assistance in designing program evaluation tools. Makes nonprofit private organizations with records of providing national information, referral, and advocacy in matters related to pension and other retirement benefits eligible to receive training and technical assistance grants.
Requires the Assistant Secretary to enter into: (1) interagency agreements for the establishment and operation of, and dissemination of information about, a telephone hotline for individuals seeking outreach, information, counseling, referral, and assistance regarding pension and other retirement benefits, and rights related to such benefits; and (2) agreements with the Secretary of Labor and with the heads of other Federal agencies that regulate the provision of pension and other retirement benefits, as appropriate, in order to carry out this Act and to develop a nationwide public-private pension assistance system.
Authorizes appropriations.
Repeals provisions of the Act that establish pension rights demonstration projects.

Example Input: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Millennium Digital Commerce Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The growth of electronic commerce and electronic
government transactions represent a powerful force for economic
growth, consumer choice, improved civic participation and
wealth creation.
(2) The promotion of growth in private sector electronic
commerce through Federal legislation is in the national
interest because that market is globally important to the
United States.
(3) A consistent legal foundation, across multiple
jurisdictions, for electronic commerce will promote the growth
of such transactions, and that such a foundation should be
based upon a simple, technology neutral, nonregulatory, and
market-based approach.
(4) The Nation and the world stand at the beginning of a
large scale transition to an information society which will
require innovative legal and policy approaches, and therefore,
States can serve the national interest by continuing their
proven role as laboratories of innovation for quickly evolving
areas of public policy, provided that States also adopt a
consistent, reasonable national baseline to eliminate obsolete
barriers to electronic commerce such as undue paper and pen
requirements, and further, that any such innovation should not
unduly burden inter-jurisdictional commerce.
(5) To the extent State laws or regulations do not provide
a consistent, reasonable national baseline or in fact create an
undue burden to interstate commerce in the important burgeoning
area of electronic commerce, the national interest is best
served by Federal preemption to the extent necessary to provide
such consistent, reasonable national baseline or eliminate said
burden, but that absent such lack of a consistent, reasonable
national baseline or such undue burdens, the best legal system
for electronic commerce will result from continuing
experimentation by individual jurisdictions.
(6) With due regard to the fundamental need for a
consistent national baseline, each jurisdiction that enacts
such laws should have the right to determine the need for any
exceptions to protect consumers and maintain consistency with
existing related bodies of law within a particular
jurisdiction.
(7) Industry has developed several electronic signature
technologies for use in electronic transactions, and the public
policies of the United States should serve to promote a dynamic
marketplace within which these technologies can compete.
Consistent with this Act, States should permit the use and
development of any authentication technologies that are
appropriate as practicable as between private parties and in
use with State agencies.

SEC. 3. PURPOSES.

The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to permit and encourage the continued expansion of
electronic commerce through the operation of free market forces
rather than proscriptive governmental mandates and regulations;
(2) to promote public confidence in the validity, integrity
and reliability of electronic commerce and online government
under Federal law;
(3) to facilitate and promote electronic commerce by
clarifying the legal status of electronic records and
electronic signatures in the context of contract formation;
(4) to facilitate the ability of private parties engaged in
interstate transactions to agree among themselves on the
appropriate electronic signature technologies for their
transactions; and
(5) to promote the development of a consistent national
legal infrastructure necessary to support of electronic
commerce at the Federal and State levels within areas of
jurisdiction.

SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Electronic.--The term ''electronic'' means relating to
technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless,
optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities.
(2) Electronic agent.--The term ''electronic agent'' means
a computer program or an electronic or other automated means
used to initiate an action or respond to electronic records or
performances in whole or in part without review by an
individual at the time of the action or response.
(3) Electronic record.--The term ''electronic record''
means a record created, generated, sent, communicated,
received, or stored by electronic means.
(4) Electronic signature.--The term ''electronic
signature'' means an electronic sound, symbol, or process
attached to or logically associated with a record and executed
or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.
(5) Governmental agency.--The term ''governmental agency''
means an executive, legislative, or judicial agency,
department, board, commission, authority, or institution of the
Federal Government or of a State or of any county,
municipality, or other political subdivision of a State.
(6) Record.--The term ''record'' means information that is
inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an
electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable
form.
(7) Transaction.--The term ''transaction'' means an action
or set of actions relating to the conduct of commerce, between
2 or more persons, neither of which is the United States
Government, a State, or an agency, department, board,
commission, authority, or institution of the United States
Government or of a State.
(8) Uniform electronic transactions act.--The term
''Uniform Electronic Transactions Act'' means the Uniform
Electronic Transactions Act as provided to State legislatures
by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State
Law in the form or any substantially similar variation.

SEC. 5. INTERSTATE CONTRACT CERTAINTY.

(a) In General.--In any transaction affecting interstate commerce,
a contract may not be denied legal effect or enforceability solely
because an electronic signature or electronic record was used in its
formation.
(b) Methods.--Parties to a transaction are permitted to determine
the appropriate electronic signature technologies for their
transaction, and the means of implementing such technologies.
(c) Presentation of Contracts.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), if
a law requires that a contract be in writing, the legal effect, or
enforceability of an electronic record of such contract shall be denied
under such law, unless it is delivered to all parties in a form that--
(1) can be retained by all parties for later reference; and
(2) can be used to prove the terms of the agreement.
(d) Specific Exclusions.--The provisions of this section shall not
apply to a statute, regulation, or other rule of law governing any of
the following:
(1) The Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect in a State,
other than section 1-107 and 1-206, article 2, and article 2A.
(2) Premarital agreements, marriage, adoption, divorce or
other matters of family law.
(3) Documents of title which are filed of record with a
governmental unit until such time that a State or subdivision
thereof chooses to accept filings electronically.
(4) Residential landlord-tenant relationships.
(5) The Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act as in effect in a
State.
(e) Electronic Agents.--A contract relating to a commercial
transaction affecting interstate commerce may not be denied legal
effect solely because its formation involved--
(1) the interaction of electronic agents of the parties; or
(2) the interaction of an electronic agent of a party and
an individual who acts on that individual's own behalf or as an
agent, for another person.
(f) Insurance.--It is the specific intent of the Congress that this
section apply to the business of insurance.
(g) Application in UETA States.--This section does not apply in any
State in which the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act is in effect.

SEC. 6. PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE USE OF ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES IN
INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS.

To the extent practicable, the Federal Government shall observe the
following principles in an international context to enable commercial
electronic transaction:
(1) Remove paper-based obstacles to electronic transactions
by adopting relevant principles from the Model Law on
Electronic Commerce adopted in 1996 by the United Nations
Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
(2) Permit parties to a transaction to determine the
appropriate authentication technologies and implementation
models for their transactions, with assurance that those
technologies and implementation models will be recognized and
enforced.
(3) Permit parties to a transaction to have the opportunity
to prove in court or other proceedings that their
authentication approaches and their transactions are valid.
(4) Take a nondiscriminatory approach to electronic
signatures and authentication methods from other jurisdictions.

SEC. 7. STUDY OF LEGAL AND REGULATORY BARRIERS TO ELECTRONIC COMMERCE.

(a) Barriers.--Each Federal agency shall, not later than 6 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, provide a report to the
Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Secretary of
Commerce identifying any provision of law administered by such agency,
or any regulations issued by such agency and in effect on the date of
enactment of this Act, that may impose a barrier to electronic
transactions, or otherwise to the conduct of commerce online or be
electronic means. Such barriers include, but are not limited to,
barriers imposed by a law or regulation directly or indirectly
requiring that signatures, or records of transactions, be accomplished
or retained in other than electronic form. In its report, each agency
shall identify the barriers among those identified whose removal would
require legislative action, and shall indicate agency plans to
undertake regulatory action to remove such barriers among those
identified as are caused by regulations issued by the agency.
(b) Report to Congress.--The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation
with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall, within
18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and after the
consultation required by subsection (c) of this section, report to the
Congress concerning--
(1) legislation needed to remove barriers to electronic
transactions or otherwise to the conduct of commerce online or
by electronic means; and
(2) actions being taken by the Executive Branch and
individual Federal agencies to remove such barriers as are
caused by agency regulations or policies.
(c) Consultation.--In preparing the report required by this
section, the Secretary of Commerce shall consult with the General
Services Administration, the National Archives and Records
Administration, and the Attorney General concerning matters involving
the authenticity of records, their storage and retention, and their
usability for law enforcement purposes.
(d) Include Findings If No Recommendations.--If the report required
by this section omits recommendations for actions needed to fully
remove identified barriers to electronic transactions or to online or
electronic commerce, it shall include a finding or findings, including
substantial reasons therefore, that such removal is impracticable or
would be inconsistent with the implementation or enforcement of
applicable laws.
Example Output:
Authorizes parties to an interstate transaction to determine the appropriate electronic signature technologies for their transaction, and the means of implementing such technologies. Denies the legal effect of an electronic record of a contract required by law to be in writing, unless it is delivered to all parties in a form that can be: (1) retained for later reference; and (2) used to prove agreement terms. Provides exclusions. Prohibits a contract relating to a commercial transaction from being denied legal effect solely because its formation involved electronic agents (computers or other automated means). States as the specific intent of Congress that this section apply to the business of insurance.
Directs the Federal Government, to the extent practicable, to observe certain principles governing the use of electronic signatures in international commercial transactions, including to: (1) remove paper-based obstacles to electronic transactions by adopting relevant principles from the Model Law on Electronic Commerce adopted in 1996 by the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL); (2) permit parties to a transaction to determine the appropriate authentication technologies for such transactions, with assurance that they will be recognized and enforced; (3) permit such parties to have the opportunity to prove in court that such authentication approaches and transactions are valid; and (4) take a nondiscriminatory approach to electronic signatures and authentication methods from other jurisdictions.
Directs each Federal agency to report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Secretary of Commerce on any provision of law administered, or regulation issued, by it that imposes a barrier to electronic transactions. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress concerning any legislation needed or Executive or Federal agency action being taken to remove such barriers.