SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6407

              As Passed Senate, February 10, 1996

Title:  An act relating to the acceptance of faxed documents for filing with the secretary of state.

Brief Description:  Filing faxed documents.

Sponsors:  Senators Sheldon, Long and Winsley; by request of Secretary of State.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  1/22/96, 1/30/96 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/10/96, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Goings, Hale, Heavey, McCaslin and Winsley.

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786-7754)

Background:  Statutes require that various documents be filed with the Secretary of State.  These documents include  documentation relating to general incorporation, charitable trusts, professional service corporations, charitable solicitations, trademark registration, cooperative associations, Massachusetts trusts, nonprofit corporations, fraternal societies, building associations, granges, fish marketing, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies.  There is no authorization permitting these documents to be initially delivered to the Secretary of State by electronic facsimile transmission.

Summary of Bill:  Documents required to be filed with the Secretary of State may be delivered by electronic facsimile transmission.  If the original document must be signed, the original shall be subsequently filed.  Deadlines for filing original documents and filing fees for facsimile filings shall be established by rule adopted by the Secretary of State.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This will not only allow efficiencies in the operation of the office, but because of time-sensitive filings can save citizens large sums of money.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Ralph Munro, Secretary of State (pro).