A nationwide standard for electronic signatures moved one step closer to reality this week when the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously passed a bill that would make electronic signatures as valid as handwritten signatures. Several states have already passed laws that validate electronic signatures, but Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-Mich.), the Senate bill's sponsor, says federal guidance is needed. Abraham says, "If we're going to be able to move forward and experiment with the Internet, the key vehicle we need is electronic verification methods." The bill, which doesn't endorse a specific technology, follows legislation passed last year by Congress requiring the federal government to use digital signatures for electronic transactions. The bill is expected to receive the endorsement of the Clinton administration. (Bloomberg 06/23/99 - Edupage 25 June 99)