(a)  If a law requires, as a condition for recording, that a document be an original, be on paper or another tangible medium, or be in writing, the requirement is satisfied by an electronic document satisfying this chapter.

contract signature

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Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 34-13.2-3

  • Document: means information that is:

    (i)  Inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form; and

    (ii)  Eligible to be recorded in the land records maintained by the recorder of deeds. See Rhode Island General Laws 34-13.2-2

  • Electronic: means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities. See Rhode Island General Laws 34-13.2-2
  • Electronic signature: means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a document and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the document. See Rhode Island General Laws 34-13.2-2
  • in writing: include printing, engraving, lithographing, and photo-lithographing, and all other representations of words in letters of the usual form. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-16
  • Person: means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited-liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government, or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity. See Rhode Island General Laws 34-13.2-2
  • seal: shall be construed to include an impression of the seal made with or without the use of wax or wafer on the paper. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-15

(b)  If a law requires, as a condition for recording, that a document be signed, the requirement is satisfied by an electronic signature.

(c)  A requirement that a document or a signature associated with a document be notarized, acknowledged, verified, witnessed, or made under oath is satisfied if the electronic signature of the person authorized to perform that act, and all other information required to be included, is attached to or logically associated with the document or signature. A physical or electronic image of a stamp, impression, or seal need not accompany an electronic signature.

History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 113, § 1.