Chapter 1090 Oregon Laws 1999

Session Law

AN ACT

HB 2804

Relating to electronic commerce.

Whereas the Internet is a global collection of tens of thousands of individual computers and computer networks hosting an enormous wealth of information and is operated by companies, educational institutions, churches, other organizations and individuals; and

Whereas the Internet, electronic commerce and other information based technologies contribute to the well-being of all Oregonians by providing high paying jobs, business and government operating efficiencies, additional educational opportunities and better access to information; and

Whereas the State of Oregon must oppose additional unnecessary or unwarranted regulations that would impede increased access to the Internet, market competition, consumer choice, security of personal information or the conducting of electronic commerce transactions; and

Whereas the Internet, electronic commerce and a sound state-level policy are essential elements to stimulating investment in the information technology industry and the vitality of Oregon's economy; now, therefore,

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. (1) There is created the Oregon Internet Commission consisting of 15 members. The President of the Senate shall appoint two members from among members of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint two members from among the members of the House of Representatives. The Governor shall appoint 11 members, and a chairperson from among the appointed members in paragraph (d) of this subsection, who shall be persons experienced in electronic and Internet commerce issues and shall include:

(a) One person representing the Oregon Department of Administrative Services information resources management division;

(b) One person representing the Economic Development Department;

(c) One person representing the State System of Higher Education; and

(d) Eight persons from the private sector.

(2) The commission shall examine policies and make specific legislative proposals to ensure that Internet commerce will continue to grow and prosper while delivering social and economic benefits to Oregon's citizens, government and business. Specific areas of study shall include:

(a) Facilitating electronic commerce in Oregon;

(b) Encouraging the provision of government services through the Internet;

(c) Internet tax policies;

(d) Consumer privacy and protection;

(e) Electronic security and encryption technology; and

(f) Regulation of unsolicited electronic mail.

(3) The commission shall:

(a) Adopt a final report containing its findings. The report shall be submitted to the Seventy-first Legislative Assembly in the manner provided in ORS 192.245.

(b) Develop specific legislative proposals for submission to the Seventy-first Legislative Assembly.

(4) The commission is subject to the provisions of ORS 171.605 to 171.635. Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 171.206, the commission may file its written report at any time within 30 days after its final meeting, or at such later time as the appointing authorities may designate.

(5) A work plan consisting of a list of subjects for study by the commission and the duration of the study shall be developed by the appointing authorities, in consultation with the commission chairperson.

(6) The Economic Development Department shall provide administrative support staff necessary to the performance of the function of the commission.

(7) Members of the Legislative Assembly shall be entitled to an allowance as authorized by ORS 171.072 from funds appropriated to the Legislative Assembly. Claims for expenses incurred in performing functions of the commission shall be paid out of funds available for that purpose.

(8) All agencies, departments and officers of this state are directed to assist the commission in the performance of its functions, and to furnish such information and advice as the members of the commission consider necessary to perform their functions.

(9) On behalf of the commission, the Economic Development Department may accept contributions of funds and assistance from the United States, its agencies, or from any other source, public or private, and agree to conditions thereon not inconsistent with the purposes of the commission. All such funds are to aid in financing the functions of the commission and shall be deposited in the Economic Development Department Special Events Revolving Fund, created in ORS 285A.209, and shall be disbursed for the purpose for which the funds were contributed.

(10) Official action by the commission established pursuant to this 1999 Act shall require the approval of a majority of the quorum of the members. All legislation recommended by official action of the commission must indicate that it is introduced at the request of the commission. Such legislation shall be prepared in time for presession numbering and presession filing pursuant to ORS 171.130 for presentation to the regular session of the Seventy-first Legislative Assembly.

SECTION 2. Section 1 of this 1999 Act is repealed December 31, 2000.

Approved by the Governor September 1, 1999

Filed in the office of the Secretary of State September 2, 1999

Effective date October 23, 1999

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