June 30, 2000

Bill on Electronic Signatures Would Help Colleges With Online Transactions

By STEPHEN BURD and ANDREA L. FOSTER

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation this month that would give electronic signatures the same legal status as written signatures. The measure now goes to President Clinton, who is expected to sign it into law.

College leaders and lobbyists hailed the legislation, saying it would allow most business transactions between colleges and students to be conducted over the Internet. It also could speed up the delivery of federal aid to students,