2-15-404. Electronic filing system -- requirements -- rules. - Montana Statutes

     2-15-404. Electronic filing system -- requirements -- rules. (1) As authorized by 2-15-401, the secretary of state may develop and implement a statewide electronic filing system to accommodate the electronic filing of records and documents that are required to be filed in the office of the secretary of state.
     (2) If the secretary of state develops and implements a statewide electronic filing system, the secretary of state shall establish a central database for all records and documents filed electronically with the secretary of state.
     (3) If the secretary of state develops and implements a statewide electronic filing system, the secretary of state shall adopt rules that:
     (a) provide procedures for entering data;
     (b) provide security and protection of information in the system and monitor the database and other components of the system to ensure that unauthorized entry is precluded;
     (c) require standardized information for entry into the system;
     (d) prescribe an identification procedure for a person filing records or other documents or otherwise accessing the system;
     (e) require each individual who is required to sign a document that is filed electronically to be specifically identified as acknowledging the document and giving assent to the electronic filing through an identification procedure unique to that individual;
     (f) prescribe a procedure for certification of electronic filings by the secretary of state; and
     (g) prescribe a procedure for converting an electronic filing to a paper copy and for certifying the paper copy for a person requesting a paper copy.
     (4) The secretary of state shall cooperate with the department of administration in the development of any electronic filing system. The filing system must comply with the standards established pursuant to 2-17-512.
     (5) This section may not be construed to affect any requirement that a particular individual or officer of an organization acknowledge a document. Any person using an identification procedure in place of a signature or facsimile signature for any electronic filing is subject to the same civil and criminal penalties applicable to a person providing a signature or facsimile signature.
     (6) An electronic filing system developed and implemented under this section may be constructed in phases as resources and technology allow.

     History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 291, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 23, Ch. 313, L. 2001.