News from PANUG - March 1, 2001
http://www.panug.org
info@panug.org

UCITA ALERT

The Uniform Computer Information Act is a subject that we've
told you about in these email broadcasts before. The UCITA
is an effort by the major software publishers to eliminate
competition, to reduce their liability, to reduce the rights
of computer users, and to increase their profits.

This is NOT a Windows versus NetWare or Windows versus Linux
issue. It doesn't matter how you feel about companies like
Microsoft and their products. If you're a computer user, the
UCITA represents a reduction in your choices and rights and
an increase in the cost of being a consumer of computer
products.

If you're not up to speed on the UCITA, details are on
the following web site.

http://jcots.state.va.us/handouts/99-09-21_FC/Ring.htm

Two bills in Oregon have been introduced. One was
introduced by Representative Max Williams and seeks to
adopt the UCITA in Oregon. The second was introduced
by Representative Phil Barnhart and seeks to prevent
UCITA adoption.

Williams (pro-UCITA) is the chair of the judiciary committee
where both bills will almost certainly be referred to. Since
Williams is the chair, it is unlikely that Barnhart's (anti-UCITA)
bill will ever reach public hearings and it is a sure thing that
Williams bill will. Barnhart's staff says that it will take a lot of
work to try to stop UCITA from becoming law in Oregon.

The PANUG Board would like to know the following and ask you
to respond to this email with your comments.

1.Do you think that the UCITA should become law in Oregon?

2.Are you in favor of PANUG adopting an official position on
  the UCITA where its position is the position of the majority
  of the membership? This will almost certainly be anti-UCITA.

3.Are you in favor of PANUG sending one or more representatives
  to testify at public hearings on the bill(s)?

4.Do you want PANUG to try to arrange a presentation on UCITA
  given by an authoritative source, such as Representative
  Barnhart or one of his staff, at a PANUG monthly meeting?