An Act Relating to Computer Networks and to Electronic Mail Advertisements.

Updated: April 14, 2000
Contact: Representative Norman Rokeberg's office at (800) 773-4968

House Judiciary Committee Substitute for House Bill 401 adds protections for consumers and internet service providers from such things as intentional disruption (e.g., a denial of service attack) or impairment of a service rendered to the public through a computer network. Such actions would be a crime of criminal mischief in the second degree under CSHB 401 (JUD).

CSHB 401 (JUD) provides that a user of an e-mail service may not use the provider's service in violation of any published policy of the provider (e.g., anti-spamming provisions). Additionally, the bill provides that the e-mail service provider does not have to adopt a policy prohibiting or restricting use of its services for delivery of unsolicited advertisements - in other words, if the provider wants to adopt a policy, that is fine. "Published" can be by means of written form, or display through on-line notice.

As we all move towards greater involvement with e-commerce, consumers need to know that some protections are available to them from such things as unsolicited advertisements. CSHB 401 (JUD) would provide this protection.

I would urge your support of this legislation.

Sectional Analysis for HB 401