Filtering Mandates Alive and Well
in Appropriations Bill
In the final minutes of a joint House-Senate committee conference on July 27 to iron out differences in the Labor–Health and Human Services–Education Appropriations bill (H.R. 4577), Internet filtering stakeholders came to an agreement that reconciled the various provisions requiring software filters on school and library computers. Most significantly, the moderate amendment proposed by Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), which allowed for either installing filters or implementing an Internet-use policy, was dropped.
According to ALA’s Washington Office, the compromise “may never be reported out as an official document from the Conference Committee,” but “it is likely to be a starting point for direct negotiations” with President Clinton. Because the funding levels are in line with the administration’s requests, Clinton may be disinclined to veto the bill.
The amended language withholds e-rate discounts and Library Services and Technology Act funds “for the purchase of computers or to pay costs associated with Internet access” from all libraries that do not install Internet filters and “ensure that the technology is in use when a minor uses a computer.” It also requires libraries to have an Internet-use policy and hold at least one public hearing on the policy.
Washington Office Assistant Director Claudette Tennant said the new wording “opens up a whole new level of liability” for public and school libraries, which could be sued for filtering or for not filtering enough.
Posted August 7, 2000.
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