assign('title','Letter to Gov. Jeb Bush Urging Veto of FL Super-DMCA Bill'); // if breadcrumb == true, then it fill in the right trail in the issue // array $smarty->assign('breadcrumb','false'); // example: //$issue = array("Issues" => "/issues/", "Privacy" => "/issues/privacy/", "TIA" => "/issues/privacy/tia/"); $smarty->assign('issue',$issue); $content = '
Dear Governor Bush:
The undersigned citizens\' and consumer rights groups are writing again to urge you to veto Florida House Bill 79, which is now pending your signature. As we stated in our April17 letter (attached), this bill limits citizens\' rights, limits legal uses of commonplace consumer electronics (such as Digital Video Recorders and computers) and stifles technological innovation and research.
In recent weeks, policymakers in four states have stopped passage of bills that are substantially similar to House Bill 79. In Colorado, Governor Bill Owens vetoed the bill, while in Texas, Tennessee and Oregon, opposition from citizens and the consumer electronics companies created considerable doubt in the minds of state legislators about the need for these bills and the reach of the proposed language.
The proponents of House Bill 79 pushed the bill through the Florida legislature quickly and without adequate opportunity for participation from opponents of the measure. At the very least, we ask you to veto the bill so it can be fully debated when the legislature meets next year.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Consumer Federation of America
Consumer Project on Technology
Consumers Union
Digitalconsumer.org
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Public Knowledge