Establishes the secure digital mail communications act of 2012

1 Co-sponsor

• Martin J. Golden

BILL NUMBER:S6887

Title of bill

An act to amend the state technology law, in relation to digital mail communications

Purpose

This bill would encourage the use of digital mail communications between state agencies and New York State residents.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill creates the "secure digital mail communications act of 2012."

Section 2 adds a new article 5. It defines digital mail delivery service. This bill allows any government agency or official that is required to communicate with persons in writing or by mail to use an alternative form of digital mail to satisfy that required communication; allows residents to opt-into receiving digital mail; requires such service to satisfy all existing privacy and security requirement for communications; requires verification of delivery and audit capability when proof of mailing or delivery is required; and requires two different sources or verification to ensure the identity of the subscriber and current physical address of the subscriber.

Section 3 provides for an effective date. This bill will take effect on the 120th day after it shall have become law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rules or regulations necessary for the implementation of this bill is authorized to be made on or before the effective date.

Justification

Today, New Yorkers are decidedly operating in a multi-channel world. New digital devices are adding more speed and more flexibility to communications and offering consumers more choice in how they communicate with each other, business and government. More traditional communications channels such as mail continue to play a vital role in how consumers conduct their business and will for some time.

New York State is currently in the process of "reinventing" government in an effort to achieve efficiencies in operations, generate cost savings and process improvements. New York State agencies communicate with residents in millions of different transactions over multiple platforms each day.

Many New York State statutes continue to require state agencies to communicate with New York residents by U.S. mail or other mechanisms. These agencies don't have the necessary flexibility they need to meet the changing communication needs of the state's populations. New York

individuals and business owners, like those across the country, are quickly moving to utilize multiple channels to manage their lives and businesses - phone, text, mail and secure digital mail delivery.

This bill would move New York toward a more multi-channel approach with respect to how it communicates with its residents saving state tax dollars by reducing the cost of printing, supplies and postage.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

Minimal savings due to postage costs.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the 120th day after it shall have become law.