🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 159 (from laksa154)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa159.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.gfoa.org/materials/using-electronic-signatures\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.gfoa.org/materials/using-electronic-signatures\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/materials\/using-electronic-signatures","crawl_time":1773804836,"first_indexed_time":1597816402,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,gfoa!www,\/materials\/using-electronic-signatures s443","src_root_hash":"1402323667209224159","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Using Electronic Signatures","meta_descriptions":["The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), founded in 1906, represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Federal legislation enacted in 2000, the Electronic Signatures in  Global and National Commerce Act (the E-Sign Law), made electronic  signatures and electronic contracts just as legally enforceable as  traditional paper contracts signed in ink. Therefore, a digital  signature is to an electronic document what a handwritten signature is  to a paper document. However, a digital signature can provide additional  assurances and security in linking an electronic document with the  signer. The recipient of a digitally signed document can verify that  both the document originated from the person whose signature is attached  and that the document has not been changed since it was signed.  Additionally, the signer of the document cannot later claim his digital  signature was forged.\nThe term electronic signature is a generic, technologically neutral  term that refers to the variety of ways a person can indicate their  connection with an electronic document. Examples include:\na symbol  sound or voice print\na name typed at the end of an email\na digitized form of a handwritten signature\na unique password, code, or PIN number\nbiometrics (retina scans, fingerprints, etc.)\na digital signature created using encryption technology\nThe E-Sign Law does not define what an electronic signature is  or what technologies can or should be used to create one. The law  establishes only that E-signatures in all their various forms qualify in  the legal sense and leaves it up to the free market to determine which  methods will be used.\nMany kinds of E-signatures offer very little security. If someone  uses an unsecure method (such as a scanned image of a handwritten  signature), it could be stolen and used for fraudulent purposes. Stolen  Esignatures have the potential to become as widespread a problem as  credit card scams and stolen passwords.\nGFOA recommends that state and local governments continue to improve  electronic access to their services and information by other government  entities and the public. When the identity of contact and\/or the  contents of the information received must be authenticated, the use of a  secure form of electronic signatures is encouraged.\nGovernments should look for solutions that accomplish the following:\nThere is a permanent attachment of a signature to the related  document (for example, via a PDF or similar document that cannot be  altered or via appropriate encryption).\nThere is a permanent audit trail of the electronic signature.\nIf changes are made to the documents, it will automatically alert the reader of those changes.\nAdditionally, the government should consider the following when setting up their electronic signature policies:\nAssess the risk of fraud, error or misuse of the various types of electronic signatures.\nAssess the cost-benefit on different alternatives of electronic signatures.\nConsult your legal counsel on the implications of using electronic signatures.\nDevelop plans for retaining and deleting electronic information and employee access to such information.\nSeek input from technology experts.\nPerform periodic review and re-evaluation as appropriate.\nNotes: \nThis  year, Travis County was chosen to receive a GFOA Award for Excellence  for exemplary demonstration of GFOA's Best Practive in Using Electronic  Signature. To learn more about the County's  “related party” disclosures  electronic form, please visit their \naward page.\nReferences: \nP.L.106-229, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN).\nhttp:\/\/frwebgate.access.gpo.gov\/cgibin\/getdoc.cgi?dbname=106_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ229.106.pdf\nJune 30, 2000.\nUnited States Government Office of Management and Budget. Appendix  II to OMB Circular No. A-130, Implementation of the Governmental  Paperwork Elimination Act, November 4, 2003.","attrs_markdown":"**SECURE YOUR DISCOUNT** \\| The final early registration discount deadline for GFOA's 120th Annual Conference is **March 27.** [Click here](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/conference) to learn more.\n\nClose Alert\n\n[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/materials\/using-electronic-signatures#main-content)\n\n[![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![](https:\/\/gfoa-craftcms.transforms.svdcdn.com\/production\/logos\/GFOA-120-seal-logo.png?w=300&q=80&auto=format%2Cavif&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1767893023&s=9101dcef5bf20175d1698cc23e4a15d9)](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/)\n\n[Search](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/search)\n\nToggle Navigation\n\n- [Log In](https:\/\/members.gfoa.org\/Gfoamember\/LoginLanding.aspx?URLSITE=https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/member-login\/materials\/using-electronic-signatures)\n  or [Sign Up](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/join)\n- [My Account](https:\/\/members.gfoa.org\/Gfoamember\/Gfoamember\/logout.aspx?URLSITE=https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/member-logout\/american-rescue-plan-spending-guiding-principles)\n\n- Membership & Education\n  Together We Thrive\n  \n  GFOA’s inclusive, organization-based membership model makes it easier than ever to connect, learn, and grow.\n  \n  [Overview ›](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/join)\n  \n  - 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[Membership ›](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/membership)\n  - [Join](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/join)\n  - [Member Benefits](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/member-benefits)\n  - [Member Communities](https:\/\/community.gfoa.org\/)\n  - [Get Involved](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/volunteer)\n  - [Education ›](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/education)\n  - [Events Calendar](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/events)\n  - [On-Demand Learning](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/on-demand)\n  - [Training Catalog](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/training-catalog)\n  - [Learning Pathways](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/learning-pathways)\n  - [Scholarships](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/gfoascholarships)\n  - [Guide for CPE](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/guide-for-cpe)\n- - [Annual Conference ›](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/conference)\n  - [Call for Topics](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/gfoa2026-call-for-topics)\n  - Leadership Opportunities ›\n  - [Certification (CPFO)](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/cpfo)\n  - [Leadership Academy](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/leadership-academy)\n  - [Standing Committees](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/gfoa-standing-committees)\n  - [Affinity Groups ›](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/gfoa-groups)\n  - [Student Opportunities ›](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/student-opportunities)\n  - [Academic Scholarships](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/academic-scholarships)\n- - [Jobs Board ›](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/jobs)\n  - [Submit Employment Ad](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/submit-employment-ad)\n  - [Employment Resources for Finance Officers](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/employment-resources)\n\n- ## Best Practices & Resources\n  GFOA Best Practices identify specific policies and procedures that contribute to improved government management.\n  [Explore Best Practices & Advisories ›](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/best-practices)\n- - [Resources ›](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/materials)\n  - [Public Finance Workforce](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/workforce2023)\n  - [Grants Management](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/guiding-principles-in-grant-management)\n  - [Smarter School Spending](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/smarterschoolspending)\n  - [Financial Foundations Framework](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/financial-foundations)\n  - 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[Home](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/)\/\n2. [Materials Library](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/materials)\/\n3. **Using Electronic Signatures**\n\nTreasury and Investment Management\n\n## Using Electronic Signatures\n\n- - [Email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20GFOA%20page%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gfoa.org%2Fmaterials%2Fusing-electronic-signatures)\n  - [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gfoa.org%2Fmaterials%2Fusing-electronic-signatures)\n  - [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gfoa.org%2Fmaterials%2Fusing-electronic-signatures&source=GFOA)\n  Share Share this job\n\nFederal legislation enacted in 2000, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (the E-Sign Law), made electronic signatures and electronic contracts just as legally enforceable as traditional paper contracts signed in ink. Therefore, a digital signature is to an electronic document what a handwritten signature is to a paper document. However, a digital signature can provide additional assurances and security in linking an electronic document with the signer. The recipient of a digitally signed document can verify that both the document originated from the person whose signature is attached and that the document has not been changed since it was signed. Additionally, the signer of the document cannot later claim his digital signature was forged.\n\nThe term electronic signature is a generic, technologically neutral term that refers to the variety of ways a person can indicate their connection with an electronic document. Examples include:\n\n- a symbol sound or voice print\n- a name typed at the end of an email\n- a digitized form of a handwritten signature\n- a unique password, code, or PIN number\n- biometrics (retina scans, fingerprints, etc.)\n- a digital signature created using encryption technology\n\nThe E-Sign Law does not define what an electronic signature is or what technologies can or should be used to create one. The law establishes only that E-signatures in all their various forms qualify in the legal sense and leaves it up to the free market to determine which methods will be used.\n\nMany kinds of E-signatures offer very little security. If someone uses an unsecure method (such as a scanned image of a handwritten signature), it could be stolen and used for fraudulent purposes. Stolen Esignatures have the potential to become as widespread a problem as credit card scams and stolen passwords.\n\n**GFOA recommends that state and local governments continue to improve electronic access to their services and information by other government entities and the public. When the identity of contact and\/or the contents of the information received must be authenticated, the use of a secure form of electronic signatures is encouraged.**\n\nGovernments should look for solutions that accomplish the following:\n\n- There is a permanent attachment of a signature to the related document (for example, via a PDF or similar document that cannot be altered or via appropriate encryption).\n- There is a permanent audit trail of the electronic signature.\n- If changes are made to the documents, it will automatically alert the reader of those changes.\n\nAdditionally, the government should consider the following when setting up their electronic signature policies:\n\n- Assess the risk of fraud, error or misuse of the various types of electronic signatures.\n- Assess the cost-benefit on different alternatives of electronic signatures.\n- Consult your legal counsel on the implications of using electronic signatures.\n- Develop plans for retaining and deleting electronic information and employee access to such information.\n- Seek input from technology experts.\n- Perform periodic review and re-evaluation as appropriate.\n\nNotes:\n\nThis year, Travis County was chosen to receive a GFOA Award for Excellence for exemplary demonstration of GFOA's Best Practive in Using Electronic Signature. To learn more about the County's “related party” disclosures electronic form, please visit their [award page.](http:\/\/gfoa.org\/node\/29076\/)\n\nReferences:\n\n- P.L.106-229, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN). <http:\/\/frwebgate.access.gpo.gov\/cgibin\/getdoc.cgi?dbname=106_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ229.106.pdf> June 30, 2000.\n- United States Government Office of Management and Budget. Appendix II to OMB Circular No. A-130, Implementation of the Governmental Paperwork Elimination Act, November 4, 2003.\n\n**Board approval date:** Tuesday, October 31, 2006\n\n### Additional Resources\n- ![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)\n  \n  ![](https:\/\/gfoa-craftcms.transforms.svdcdn.com\/production\/general\/zhdlgrrfxhppbwk2_bpf3.jpg?w=300&h=240&q=80&auto=format%2Cavif&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1757567427&s=bc4fb980889b82fa9f3d0b0c5dd7aaf6)\n  #### GFOA's Best Practices Forum\n  [More info](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/events\/bpf24)\n- ![](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/dist\/images\/defaults\/staff-index-bio.png)\n  \n  #### Refunding Municipal Bonds\n  [More info](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/materials\/refunding-municipal-bonds)\n- ![](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/dist\/images\/defaults\/staff-index-bio.png)\n  \n  #### Understanding Your Continuing Disclosure Responsibilities\n  [More info](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/materials\/understanding-your-continuing-disclosure-responsibilities)\n- ![](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/dist\/images\/defaults\/staff-index-bio.png)\n  \n  #### Types of Legal Counsel\n  [More info](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/materials\/types-of-legal-counsel)\n\n***\n- [Share on Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gfoa.org%2Fmaterials%2Fusing-electronic-signatures)\n- [Share on LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gfoa.org%2Fmaterials%2Fusing-electronic-signatures&source=GFOA)\n- [Share via Email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20GFOA%20page%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gfoa.org%2Fmaterials%2Fusing-electronic-signatures)\n\nShare now\\!\n\n[![GFOA Logo](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/dist\/images\/logo-gfoa-light.svg)](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/)\n\nGovernment Finance Officers Association\n\n203 N. LaSalle St   \n Suite 2700   \n Chicago, IL 60601\n\n[CONTACT US ›](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/contact-us)\n\n- - [About GFOA](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/about)\n  - [Bylaws](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/gfoa-bylaws)\n  - [Careers at GFOA](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/careers-at-gfoa)\n- - [Executive Board](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/executive-board)\n  - [Staff Directory](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/staff)\n  - [Office Locations](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/office-locations)\n  - [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/privacy-policy)\n- - [Jobs Board](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/jobs)\n  - [Submit Job Listing](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/submit-employment-ad)\n  - [Employment Resources for Finance Officers](https:\/\/www.gfoa.org\/employment-resources)\n\n© 2026 Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada\n\n## Social Media","attrs_readable_markdown":"Federal legislation enacted in 2000, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (the E-Sign Law), made electronic signatures and electronic contracts just as legally enforceable as traditional paper contracts signed in ink. Therefore, a digital signature is to an electronic document what a handwritten signature is to a paper document. However, a digital signature can provide additional assurances and security in linking an electronic document with the signer. The recipient of a digitally signed document can verify that both the document originated from the person whose signature is attached and that the document has not been changed since it was signed. Additionally, the signer of the document cannot later claim his digital signature was forged.\n\nThe term electronic signature is a generic, technologically neutral term that refers to the variety of ways a person can indicate their connection with an electronic document. Examples include:\n\n- a symbol sound or voice print\n- a name typed at the end of an email\n- a digitized form of a handwritten signature\n- a unique password, code, or PIN number\n- biometrics (retina scans, fingerprints, etc.)\n- a digital signature created using encryption technology\n\nThe E-Sign Law does not define what an electronic signature is or what technologies can or should be used to create one. The law establishes only that E-signatures in all their various forms qualify in the legal sense and leaves it up to the free market to determine which methods will be used.\n\nMany kinds of E-signatures offer very little security. If someone uses an unsecure method (such as a scanned image of a handwritten signature), it could be stolen and used for fraudulent purposes. Stolen Esignatures have the potential to become as widespread a problem as credit card scams and stolen passwords.\n\n**GFOA recommends that state and local governments continue to improve electronic access to their services and information by other government entities and the public. When the identity of contact and\/or the contents of the information received must be authenticated, the use of a secure form of electronic signatures is encouraged.**\n\nGovernments should look for solutions that accomplish the following:\n\n- There is a permanent attachment of a signature to the related document (for example, via a PDF or similar document that cannot be altered or via appropriate encryption).\n- There is a permanent audit trail of the electronic signature.\n- If changes are made to the documents, it will automatically alert the reader of those changes.\n\nAdditionally, the government should consider the following when setting up their electronic signature policies:\n\n- Assess the risk of fraud, error or misuse of the various types of electronic signatures.\n- Assess the cost-benefit on different alternatives of electronic signatures.\n- Consult your legal counsel on the implications of using electronic signatures.\n- Develop plans for retaining and deleting electronic information and employee access to such information.\n- Seek input from technology experts.\n- Perform periodic review and re-evaluation as appropriate.\n\nNotes:\n\nThis year, Travis County was chosen to receive a GFOA Award for Excellence for exemplary demonstration of GFOA's Best Practive in Using Electronic Signature. To learn more about the County's “related party” disclosures electronic form, please visit their [award page.](http:\/\/gfoa.org\/node\/29076\/)\n\nReferences:\n\n- P.L.106-229, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN). <http:\/\/frwebgate.access.gpo.gov\/cgibin\/getdoc.cgi?dbname=106_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ229.106.pdf> June 30, 2000.\n- United States Government Office of Management and Budget. Appendix II to OMB Circular No. A-130, Implementation of the Governmental Paperwork Elimination Act, November 4, 2003.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Federal legislation enacted in 2000, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (the E-Sign Law), made electronic signatures and electronic contracts just as legally enforceable as traditional paper contracts signed in ink. Therefore, a digital signature is to an electronic document what a handwritten signature is to a paper document. However, a digital signature can provide additional assurances and security in linking an electronic document with the signer. The recipient of a digitally signed document can verify that both the document originated from the person whose signature is attached and that the document has not been changed since it was signed. Additionally, the signer of the document cannot later claim his digital signature was forged. The term electronic signature is a generic, technologically neutral term that refers to the variety of ways a person can indicate their connection with an electronic document. Examples include: a symbol sound or voice print a name typed at the end of an email a digitized form of a handwritten signature a unique password, code, or PIN number biometrics (retina scans, fingerprints, etc.) a digital signature created using encryption technology The E-Sign Law does not define what an electronic signature is or what technologies can or should be used to create one. The law establishes only that E-signatures in all their various forms qualify in the legal sense and leaves it up to the free market to determine which methods will be used. Many kinds of E-signatures offer very little security. If someone uses an unsecure method (such as a scanned image of a handwritten signature), it could be stolen and used for fraudulent purposes. Stolen Esignatures have the potential to become as widespread a problem as credit card scams and stolen passwords. GFOA recommends that state and local governments continue to improve electronic access to their services and information by other government entities and the public. When the identity of contact and/or the contents of the information received must be authenticated, the use of a secure form of electronic signatures is encouraged. Governments should look for solutions that accomplish the following: There is a permanent attachment of a signature to the related document (for example, via a PDF or similar document that cannot be altered or via appropriate encryption). There is a permanent audit trail of the electronic signature. If changes are made to the documents, it will automatically alert the reader of those changes. Additionally, the government should consider the following when setting up their electronic signature policies: Assess the risk of fraud, error or misuse of the various types of electronic signatures. Assess the cost-benefit on different alternatives of electronic signatures. Consult your legal counsel on the implications of using electronic signatures. Develop plans for retaining and deleting electronic information and employee access to such information. Seek input from technology experts. Perform periodic review and re-evaluation as appropriate. Notes: This year, Travis County was chosen to receive a GFOA Award for Excellence for exemplary demonstration of GFOA's Best Practive in Using Electronic Signature. To learn more about the County's “related party” disclosures electronic form, please visit their award page. References: P.L.106-229, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN). http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgibin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=106_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ229.106.pdf June 30, 2000. United States Government Office of Management and Budget. Appendix II to OMB Circular No. A-130, Implementation of the Governmental Paperwork Elimination Act, November 4, 2003.
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[Home](https://www.gfoa.org/)/ 2. [Materials Library](https://www.gfoa.org/materials)/ 3. Using Electronic Signatures Treasury and Investment Management ## Using Electronic Signatures - - [Email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20GFOA%20page%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gfoa.org%2Fmaterials%2Fusing-electronic-signatures) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gfoa.org%2Fmaterials%2Fusing-electronic-signatures) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gfoa.org%2Fmaterials%2Fusing-electronic-signatures&source=GFOA) Share Share this job Federal legislation enacted in 2000, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (the E-Sign Law), made electronic signatures and electronic contracts just as legally enforceable as traditional paper contracts signed in ink. Therefore, a digital signature is to an electronic document what a handwritten signature is to a paper document. However, a digital signature can provide additional assurances and security in linking an electronic document with the signer. The recipient of a digitally signed document can verify that both the document originated from the person whose signature is attached and that the document has not been changed since it was signed. Additionally, the signer of the document cannot later claim his digital signature was forged. The term electronic signature is a generic, technologically neutral term that refers to the variety of ways a person can indicate their connection with an electronic document. Examples include: - a symbol sound or voice print - a name typed at the end of an email - a digitized form of a handwritten signature - a unique password, code, or PIN number - biometrics (retina scans, fingerprints, etc.) - a digital signature created using encryption technology The E-Sign Law does not define what an electronic signature is or what technologies can or should be used to create one. The law establishes only that E-signatures in all their various forms qualify in the legal sense and leaves it up to the free market to determine which methods will be used. Many kinds of E-signatures offer very little security. If someone uses an unsecure method (such as a scanned image of a handwritten signature), it could be stolen and used for fraudulent purposes. Stolen Esignatures have the potential to become as widespread a problem as credit card scams and stolen passwords. GFOA recommends that state and local governments continue to improve electronic access to their services and information by other government entities and the public. When the identity of contact and/or the contents of the information received must be authenticated, the use of a secure form of electronic signatures is encouraged. Governments should look for solutions that accomplish the following: - There is a permanent attachment of a signature to the related document (for example, via a PDF or similar document that cannot be altered or via appropriate encryption). - There is a permanent audit trail of the electronic signature. - If changes are made to the documents, it will automatically alert the reader of those changes. Additionally, the government should consider the following when setting up their electronic signature policies: - Assess the risk of fraud, error or misuse of the various types of electronic signatures. - Assess the cost-benefit on different alternatives of electronic signatures. - Consult your legal counsel on the implications of using electronic signatures. - Develop plans for retaining and deleting electronic information and employee access to such information. - Seek input from technology experts. - Perform periodic review and re-evaluation as appropriate. Notes: This year, Travis County was chosen to receive a GFOA Award for Excellence for exemplary demonstration of GFOA's Best Practive in Using Electronic Signature. To learn more about the County's “related party” disclosures electronic form, please visit their [award page.](http://gfoa.org/node/29076/) References: - P.L.106-229, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN). <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgibin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=106_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ229.106.pdf> June 30, 2000. - United States Government Office of Management and Budget. Appendix II to OMB Circular No. A-130, Implementation of the Governmental Paperwork Elimination Act, November 4, 2003. Board approval date: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 ### Additional Resources - ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![](https://gfoa-craftcms.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/general/zhdlgrrfxhppbwk2_bpf3.jpg?w=300&h=240&q=80&auto=format%2Cavif&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1757567427&s=bc4fb980889b82fa9f3d0b0c5dd7aaf6) #### GFOA's Best Practices Forum [More info](https://www.gfoa.org/events/bpf24) - ![](https://www.gfoa.org/dist/images/defaults/staff-index-bio.png) #### Refunding Municipal Bonds [More info](https://www.gfoa.org/materials/refunding-municipal-bonds) - ![](https://www.gfoa.org/dist/images/defaults/staff-index-bio.png) #### Understanding Your Continuing Disclosure Responsibilities [More info](https://www.gfoa.org/materials/understanding-your-continuing-disclosure-responsibilities) - ![](https://www.gfoa.org/dist/images/defaults/staff-index-bio.png) #### Types of Legal Counsel [More info](https://www.gfoa.org/materials/types-of-legal-counsel) *** - [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gfoa.org%2Fmaterials%2Fusing-electronic-signatures) - [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gfoa.org%2Fmaterials%2Fusing-electronic-signatures&source=GFOA) - [Share via Email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20GFOA%20page%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gfoa.org%2Fmaterials%2Fusing-electronic-signatures) Share now\! 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Readable Markdown	Federal legislation enacted in 2000, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (the E-Sign Law), made electronic signatures and electronic contracts just as legally enforceable as traditional paper contracts signed in ink. Therefore, a digital signature is to an electronic document what a handwritten signature is to a paper document. However, a digital signature can provide additional assurances and security in linking an electronic document with the signer. The recipient of a digitally signed document can verify that both the document originated from the person whose signature is attached and that the document has not been changed since it was signed. Additionally, the signer of the document cannot later claim his digital signature was forged. The term electronic signature is a generic, technologically neutral term that refers to the variety of ways a person can indicate their connection with an electronic document. Examples include: - a symbol sound or voice print - a name typed at the end of an email - a digitized form of a handwritten signature - a unique password, code, or PIN number - biometrics (retina scans, fingerprints, etc.) - a digital signature created using encryption technology The E-Sign Law does not define what an electronic signature is or what technologies can or should be used to create one. The law establishes only that E-signatures in all their various forms qualify in the legal sense and leaves it up to the free market to determine which methods will be used. Many kinds of E-signatures offer very little security. If someone uses an unsecure method (such as a scanned image of a handwritten signature), it could be stolen and used for fraudulent purposes. Stolen Esignatures have the potential to become as widespread a problem as credit card scams and stolen passwords. GFOA recommends that state and local governments continue to improve electronic access to their services and information by other government entities and the public. When the identity of contact and/or the contents of the information received must be authenticated, the use of a secure form of electronic signatures is encouraged. Governments should look for solutions that accomplish the following: - There is a permanent attachment of a signature to the related document (for example, via a PDF or similar document that cannot be altered or via appropriate encryption). - There is a permanent audit trail of the electronic signature. - If changes are made to the documents, it will automatically alert the reader of those changes. Additionally, the government should consider the following when setting up their electronic signature policies: - Assess the risk of fraud, error or misuse of the various types of electronic signatures. - Assess the cost-benefit on different alternatives of electronic signatures. - Consult your legal counsel on the implications of using electronic signatures. - Develop plans for retaining and deleting electronic information and employee access to such information. - Seek input from technology experts. - Perform periodic review and re-evaluation as appropriate. Notes: This year, Travis County was chosen to receive a GFOA Award for Excellence for exemplary demonstration of GFOA's Best Practive in Using Electronic Signature. To learn more about the County's “related party” disclosures electronic form, please visit their [award page.](http://gfoa.org/node/29076/) References: - P.L.106-229, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN). <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgibin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=106_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ229.106.pdf> June 30, 2000. - United States Government Office of Management and Budget. Appendix II to OMB Circular No. A-130, Implementation of the Governmental Paperwork Elimination Act, November 4, 2003.
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