[FC-discuss] States want colleges to be copyright cops, too

[Fred Benenson]

>
> Summary: Requires every public institution of higher learning to, by
> January 15 of each year: (a) develop and enforce a policy defining
> computer and network usage that clearly describes and prohibits the
> infringement of copyrighted works over the school's computer and network
> resources; (b) thoroughly analyze its computer network, including local
> area and internal networks to determine whether it is being used to
> transmit copyrighted information and either: (1) certify to the
> Tennessee Higher Education Commission that an analysis indicates that
> the network is not being used to transmit copyrighted works


Copyrighted works!?

When will a network *not* be used to transmit copyrighted works?  The least
they could have done would be to do their homework and qualify "copyrighted
works" with "illegal" or "illicit"

:(

and that the
> institution has not received ten or more legally valid notices of
> infringement in the preceding year or (2) take affirmative steps to
> prevent the infringement of copyrighted works over the school's computer
> and network resources.
>
> Takes effect upon enactment.
>
> http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/BILL/SB3974.pdf
>
> Status: Introduced January 30, 2008. Referred to the Senate Education
> Committee February 6. Hearing scheduled February 20.
>
> Outlook: A legislative source indicated that the committee will take
> public testimony during the February 20 hearing and may choose to vote
> on the bill. The source also indicated that the committee has not
> received any amendments to the bill.
>
> The Tennessee Senate is divided evenly along party lines, 16-16, with
> one Independent. The Republican party, of which the sponsor is a member,
> currently controls the powerful Speaker of the Senate position. The
> sponsor does not serve on the committee of referral. This measure has
> garnered companion legislation, which is crucial for consideration in
> the Tennessee General Assembly. A legislative source indicated that this
> issue is not a priority for the General Assembly this session, although
> the measure has garnered bi-partisan support.
>
> Companion Bill: 2008 H.B. 3915
>
> - --
> Gavin Baker
> http://www.gavinbaker.com/
> gavin at gavinbaker.com
>
> I would engrave
> this bare mountain on my mind
> and take it home
> ~    L.A. Davidson
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