11.   DiGregorio says the pad-based electronic signatures are only the beginning.

12.   E-SIGNATURE BILL IS SIGNED INTO LAW President Clinton signed legislation giving legal weight to electronic signatures.

13.   Even the contract offer sheet had to be reviewed on-line and signed with electronic signatures.

14.   Electronic signatures to close legal transactions.

15.   For example, in recent months Congress has agreed to encourage trade with China and allow electronic signatures for online transactions.

16.   He said electronic signatures could mean cost savings and convenience for consumers, but warned that questions about security and liability for fraud have yet to be worked out.

17.   If the bill becomes law, American consumers will soon be able to buy a house, car or life insurance policy with an electronic signature.

18.   In just the past week, the House passed a bill to give electronic signatures the same validity as the handwritten version.

19.   In the future, Zubeldia acknowledged, electronic transfer of medical records and prescriptions will require electronic signatures to ensure authentication and guard privacy.

20.   President Clinton recently approved a bill that would make such electronic signatures as legally binding as traditional ones in pen and ink.