Sec. 1. 10 MRSA c. 224 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 224

ELECTRONIC MAIL SOLICITATION

§1497.__Electronic mail solicitation restricted

1.__Definitions.__As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"E-mail" means electronic mail sent or delivered by transmission over the Internet.

B.__"E-mail service provider" means a business or organization qualified to do business in this State that provides individuals, corporations or other entities the ability to send or receive e-mail through equipment located in this State or that is an intermediary in sending or receiving e-mail.

C.__"Unsolicited commercial e-mail" means an e-mail sent to large numbers of groups or individual users on the Internet with whom the sender does not have an existing business relationship and not sent at the request of the recipient for the purpose of:

(1) Offering real property, goods or services for sale or rent;

(2) Conveying information on real property, goods or services to solicit sales or purchase;

(3)__Conveying information on the extension of credit;

(4)__Promoting or soliciting charitable contributions; or

(5)__Broadcasting political or social commentary.

2.__Requirements.__A person sending unsolicited commercial e- mail shall maintain a valid:

A.__Toll-free telephone number in the United States;

B.__Return e-mail address that is operated by the person sending the unsolicited commercial e-mail; and