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Title 15 — Commerce and TradeRelease 119-73not60

§7005 Studies

Title 15 › Chapter 96— ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES IN GLOBAL AND NATIONAL COMMERCE › Subchapter I— ELECTRONIC RECORDS AND SIGNATURES IN COMMERCE › § 7005

Last updated Apr 3, 2026|Official source

Summary

By the end of the 12-month period that begins on June 30, 2000, the Secretary of Commerce must study how well electronic records delivered by email work compared with printed records sent by U.S. mail or private couriers, and send a report on the findings to Congress by that deadline. Also by the end of that 12-month period, the Secretary of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission must report to Congress about the procedure in section 7001(c)(1)(C)(ii): whether it helps consumers, what burdens it puts on online commerce, whether benefits outweigh burdens, whether removing it would raise fraud, and any recommended changes. They must seek input from the public, consumer groups, and e‑commerce businesses.

Full Legal Text

Title 15, §7005

Commerce and Trade — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Within 12 months after June 30, 2000, the Secretary of Commerce shall conduct an inquiry regarding the effectiveness of the delivery of electronic records to consumers using electronic mail as compared with delivery of written records via the United States Postal Service and private express mail services. The Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress regarding the results of such inquiry by the conclusion of such 12-month period.
(b)Within 12 months after June 30, 2000, the Secretary of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission shall submit a report to the Congress evaluating any benefits provided to consumers by the procedure required by section 7001(c)(1)(C)(ii) of this title; any burdens imposed on electronic commerce by that provision; whether the benefits outweigh the burdens; whether the absence of the procedure required by section 7001(c)(1)(C)(ii) of this title would increase the incidence of fraud directed against consumers; and suggesting any revisions to the provision deemed appropriate by the Secretary and the Commission. In conducting this evaluation, the Secretary and the Commission shall solicit comment from the general public, consumer representatives, and electronic commerce businesses.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 2000, with exceptions relating to record retention and certain loans, see section 107 of Pub. L. 106–229, set out as a note under section 7001 of this title.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

15 U.S.C. § 7005

Title 15 — Commerce and Trade

Last Updated

Apr 3, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60