ELECTRONIC POSTMARK BILL VOTED BY SENATE

 HARRISBURG, DEC. 14 – Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Connie Williams that would allow for the use of an electronic postmark by Commonwealth agencies and vendors is on its way to the House, following a Senate vote on Tuesday.

 “This legislation will allow the Commonwealth to expedite certain filings with state agencies and to reduce costs,” Williams said. “Any time the state can cut costs, taxpayer money is saved.”

 Williams’ legislation (S.B. 770) would permit the use of the United States Postal Service Electronic Postmark for transactions between Commonwealth agencies and companies. The legislation would allow any state agency or entity, upon agreement with any other agency or entity, to use the USPS EPM to time stamp documents to verify that the content had not been altered. It also would allow the use of a return receipt, which could be used in place of certified mail-return receipt requested.

 Williams serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee.

 The legislation, which received unanimous Senate support, goes to the House of Representatives for its consideration.