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Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and before the summary and inserting the following:
‘Sec. 1.
Sec. .  4 MRSA §8-C  is enacted to read:
§ 8-C.  Rules concerning electronic records and filing
 
1.  Rules and orders; processes and procedures.     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Supreme Judicial Court may adopt rules and issue orders to permit or require the use of electronic forms, filings, records, e-mail and electronic signatures whenever paper forms, filings, records, written notice, postal mail and written signatures are required for judicial, legal or any other court-related process under the Maine Revised Statutes.
 
The Supreme Judicial Court, by rule, may determine any other processes or procedures appropriate to ensure adequate preservation, disposition, integrity, security, appropriate accessibility and confidentiality of the electronic records.
 
2.  Electronic signatures.    An electronic signature may be accepted as a substitute for and, if accepted, has the same force and effect as the use of a manual signature. The Supreme Judicial Court shall determine the type of electronic signature required, the manner and format in which the signature is affixed to the electronic record and the criteria that must be met by a party, including attorneys, filing a document.’
 
SUMMARY
This amendment replaces the bill but retains the provision of the bill that provides the Supreme Judicial Court the authority to adopt rules governing the use of electronic forms and filing processes. This amendment authorizes the judicial branch to accept electronic signatures, which is already authorized for executive branch agencies under the Maine Digital Signature Act.