(1) Authorization. To the extent authorized under RCW 19.360.020, the commission will accept electronic signatures on all documents submitted to the commission for filing that applicable law requires or allows to be signed by hand if the electronic signature complies with this rule and any other applicable requirements (e.g., of the entity on whose behalf the person is signing). The commission may use electronic signatures on documents it issues, enters, or serves including, but not limited to, orders, notices, and correspondence, to the extent authorized under RCW 19.360.020.

(2) Definitions.

(a) An electronic signature is one or more letters, characters, numbers, or other symbols in digital form incorporated in, attached to, or otherwise logically associated with an electronic document that:

(i) Identifies and authenticates a particular person as the source of the document; and

(ii) Indicates such person's intent to sign the document and approval of the information contained in that document.

(b) A secure electronic signature is an electronic signature that:

(i) Is unique to the person making the signature;

(ii) The technology or process used to make the signature is under the sole control of the person making the signature;

(iii) The technology or process can be used to identify the person using the technology or process; and

(iv) The electronic signature can be linked with the document in such a way that the signature can be used to determine whether the document has been changed since the electronic signature was incorporated in, attached to, or otherwise associated with the document.

(3) Requirements.

(a) Attorney signatures. An electronic document that requires an attorney's signature must include the date on which the document was signed and be signed:

(i) With a secure electronic signature;

(ii) With the symbol "/s/" followed by the attorney's name, state bar number, and full contact information; or

(iii) By hand and the entire document scanned and submitted in searchable .pdf format (adobe acrobat or comparable software); the party or person submitting the electronic document must maintain the original signed paper document for at least sixty days beyond the close of the docket, proceeding, or matter in which it is filed, including any period of judicial review.

(b) Other signatures. An electronic document that requires a signature and is signed by a person who is not an attorney acting in a representative role must include the date on which it was signed and be signed:

(i) With a secure electronic signature;

(ii) With the symbol "/s/" followed by the person's name, title, company, street address, telephone number, and email address; or

(iii) By hand and the entire document scanned and submitted in searchable .pdf format (adobe acrobat or comparable software); the party or person submitting the electronic document must maintain the original signed paper document for at least sixty days beyond the close of the docket, proceeding, or matter in which it is filed, including any period of judicial review, or for as long as the document is effective, whichever period of time is longer.

(c) Signatures subject to penalty of perjury. An electronic document required to be signed under penalty of perjury must include the date on which it was signed and be signed by the person subject to penalty of perjury:

(i) With a secure electronic signature; or

(ii) By hand and the entire document scanned and submitted in searchable .pdf format (adobe acrobat or comparable software); the party or person submitting the electronic document must maintain the original signed paper document for at least sixty days beyond the close of the docket, proceeding, or matter in which it is filed, including any period of judicial review, or for as long as the document is effective, whichever period of time is longer.

(4) Effect.

(a) Submissions. An electronic document submitted to the commission in compliance with this rule shall bind each person whose electronic signature is incorporated in, attached to, or otherwise logically associated with the document and shall be deemed the equivalent of an original signed document.

(b) Commission communications. All notices, orders, or other documents issued, entered, or served by the commission with one or more electronic signatures in compliance with this rule and WAC 480-07-170 are official communications of the commission.