Section 17.1.
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(a) In addition to the definition set forth in Section 17, the term "signature" includes a signature in a facsimile document filed pursuant to this code or pursuant to regulations adopted under this code, and presented to the Secretary of State.
(b) The terms "signed" and "executed," when used with respect to the documents filed pursuant to this code or pursuant to regulations adopted under this code, and presented to the Secretary of State, include a document bearing a signature under subdivision (a).
(c) The Secretary of State shall accept facsimile signatures on documents that are delivered by mail or by hand.
(d) A person on whose behalf a document bearing a facsimile signature is submitted for filing to the Secretary of State shall maintain the originally signed document for at least five years from the date of filing.
(e) The Secretary of State may adopt procedures permitting the direct electronic or facsimile presentation of the documents specified in subdivisions (a) and (b). However, the Secretary of State is not required to accept those direct electronic or facsimile filings until procedures are adopted.