Update on State "Communications Services" Laws

stwrtpj writes "The Electronic Frontier Foundation is reporting a breaking news item: Colorado Governor Owens has vetoed a super-DMCA-like bill similar to the one passed in Michigan." Felten has a comment on the Colorado bill. Tennessee is delaying their consideration of the bill. And Oregon's bill has died for now; see below for more.

babbage_ct writes "As has been reported on Slashdot before (see here, here, and here for just a few) the MPAA is pushing so-called Super-DMCA laws in states around the country. Well, score one for the good guys. Oregon's version, SB 655 is going to die. Turns out the sponsor was scammed by MPAA lobbyist. See the e-mail from legislative staff below.

From: "Staff SenCharlesStarr"
To:
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 5:17 PM
Subject: Status of SB 655

Status of SB 655:

SB 655 is slated to die in committee this session. It is no longer an immediate threat, however, there will be a study commission appointed over the interim. Sen. Minnis decided that the issue was too complex to resolve this session. I will attempt to inform you when the commission is formed so that you can have further input. Oregon truly dodged the bullet on this. Some states passed the MPAA model legislation before the IT community even knew it existed.

The email you sent to Sen. Starr (and I hope all of the committee members) helped to stop this dangerous legislation. Good job! In case you're wondering why Sen. Starr sponsored this bill in the first place, it was requested by the MPAA lobbyist (who really is a nice guy) but Sen. Starr was told that it was a simple bill to update copyright law in relation to digital media. Yes, and a whole lot more! As the full impact of the bill became clear, Sen. Starr withdrew his support, which contributed to the bill's "unfortunate demise."

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.

Ken McDermott
Legislative Assistant
Senator Charles Starr
900 Court St NE S-312
Salem, OR 97301
staff.sencharlesstarr@state.or.us

Comments

Good News

[clonebarkins]

Wow, a governor with a brain. I'm moving to Colorado. Think they'll let me bring my guns?

Hyper-DMCA Laws

[core_dump_0]

First DMCA, then Super-DMCA? Soon we'll have Hyper-DMCA, Ultra-DMCA, Mega-DMCA, and eventually Mega-DMCAx2 which gives full ownership of our computers to the entertainment industry.

Re:Hyper-DMCA Laws

[Cutriss]

Let us not forget the Super DMCA Hyper-Fighting Championship Edition EX plus Alpha Third Strike 2001 Match of the Millenium...

Re:Hyper-DMCA Laws

[murphyslawyer]

Eventually we'll have to just give it up and call it DMCA-Firebird.

Re:Hyper-DMCA Laws

[EHUDs_Rhino]

Don't forget Run-DMCA.

nice guy?!?!

[spumoni_fettuccini]

the MPAA lobbyist (who really is a nice guy) Yeah so is the car salesman that's got this sweet deal on a '76 Lincoln, driven by a little old lady on Sundays.

And finally...

[John3]

A return to Classic DMCA for the old timers.

Re:it saddens me that I live in Michigan

[DreadSpoon]

Again, as someone who works for the gov't, I can attest that those orange construction barrels are a significant part of our residency, and as they form a majority of voters, generally get their way around here.

Notice the poor condition of Michigan roads; these conditions are a result of the barrels voting down on proper roadway budgets, increasing the need for repeated cheap repairs, which the barrels enjoy for leisurely activities.

The second largest voting majority would be the telecom representatives, who tend to be more vocal than orange construction barrels, if not as useful.

Re:Old news.

[stratjakt]

Wednesdays story will be ready soon, but subscribers can beat the rush and see it now!

Yay!

[HomerNet]

I can move back to Colorado now without being arrested for running a firewall! I think I'll do that soon, actually...