HB 2752-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares that no person, corporation, partnership, or association may initiate the transmission of a commercial electronic mail message from a computer located in Washington or to an electronic mail address that the sender knows, or has reason to know, is held by a Washington resident that:  (1) Uses a third party's internet domain name without permission of the third party, or otherwise misrepresents any information in identifying the point of origin or the transmission path of a commercial electronic mail message; or

     (2) contains false or misleading information in the subject line.

     Declares that damages to the recipient of a commercial electronic mail message sent in violation of this act are five hundred dollars, or actual damages, whichever is greater.

     Declares that damages to an interactive computer service resulting from a violation of this act are one thousand dollars, or actual damages, whichever is greater.

     Creates the select task force on commercial electronic mail messages.  The select task force shall:  (1) Identify technical, legal, and cost issues in relation to the transmission and receipt of commercial electronic mail messages over the internet;

     (2) evaluate whether existing laws are sufficient to resolve any technical, legal, or financial problems created by the increasing volume of commercial electronic mail messages;

     (3) review efforts being made by the federal government and other states to regulate the transmission of commercial electronic mail messages; and

     (4) prepare a report identifying policy options and recommendations for any potential legislation needed to regulate commercial electronic mail messages.  The report shall be delivered to the house of representatives energy and utilities committee by November 15, 1998.