As the calendar turns to 2024, the political and policy horizons beckon with promise and uncertainty. This blog post navigates the emerging trends, anticipated shifts, and prospects that could shape the political narrative in the coming year. We will explore the current policy debates and the unfolding tapestry of political dynamics in 2024.  

Landscape Overview 

 With many COVID-era relief programs ending, we could see the beginnings of a “new normal” heading into 2024. As it is a presidential election year, policy often finds itself relegated to the back seat during the whirlwind. As political candidates vie for votes, the spotlight tends to focus more on strategic messaging and political posturing than nuanced policy discussions. This means many policy issues before Congress will likely be left unresolved until the 2025 session begins.   

With Congress trapped in a gridlock of competing interests and partisan divides, the stage is set again for states to enter the void, crafting and implementing domestic policy. The decentralization of policy-making empowers states to tailor solutions to their specific needs, fostering a diverse tapestry of approaches and legislation.  

Emerging Technology Policy in the Year Ahead 

The policy outlook for emerging technology in 2024 is poised at the frontier of innovation and regulation. As breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology redefine the technological landscape, policymakers face the intricate task of crafting frameworks that foster progress while addressing ethical, security, and privacy concerns. The year unfolds with a heightened awareness of the transformative potential of emerging technologies, prompting governments to revisit and refine policies that govern their development and deployment. Striking a delicate balance between encouraging innovation and safeguarding societal well-being becomes paramount, setting the stage for a dynamic interplay between technology pioneers and policymakers as they collectively navigate the uncharted territories of the digital future. 

We expect Congress to continue to revisit currently debated issues. It will continue to inch towards a federal data privacy and protection law. Artificial intelligence (AI) regulation will continue to be a big topic in the coming year. Many believe that Congress needs to pass privacy legislation that aligns with any AI regulation.  

While continuing to weigh return-to-work policies, inflation, and budget issues, state and local governments are expected to discuss tech workforce, AI, and data protection issues. With additional states passing 2023 data privacy legislation, nearly 40 percent of US citizens will be covered by one of the state-driven privacy laws. We could hear an intensified voice on AI about states implementing policies around the technology’s responsible use.  

ESRA 2024 Policy Priorities and WatchList  

As we navigate the digitized terrain of modern transactions, the Electronic Signature and Records Association (ESRA) stands at the forefront, spearheading policy initiatives that will shape the electronic landscape in 2024. ESRA’s policy priorities are committed to fostering innovation, security, and legal efficacy within eSignatures and eRecords in an era where the pen has increasingly been replaced by the pixel.  

In 2024, ESRA will:  

• Advance, comprehend, defend, and promote the role of eSignatures and related technologies within cutting-edge and emerging technological landscapes through sound and responsible public policy. 
• Drive progress in eSignatures within digital identity frameworks.  
• Enhance government records and documentation by implementing electronic signatures.  
• Advance the widespread recognition of electronic wills.  
• Complete establishment of national acceptance for remote online notarization (RON).  
• Standardize acceptance of eSignatures across automotive documents.  

At the federal level, ESRA will continue to advocate for updates to the eSignatures law through S. 3715, the E-SIGN Modernization Act of 2022, and be active in the SECURE Notarization Act of 2023 (HR 1059) discussion. At the state level, pushing for e-Title with a model bill, RON with six remaining states, and e-Wills legislation and regulations.  

Watch for information from ESRA as Congress returns the week of January 8th and state legislatures kick into high gear.