We're still waiting to hear what's happened with SB1116, the 'Super DMCA' bill. If it passes, it won't be because we didn't make our best efforts to block it, and we appreciate the efforts of everyone who devoted time and energy our legislative efforts. The other bill of interest to EFF-Austin, SB1579 in support of Open Source, didn't pass, but its sponsor, Senator John Carona, suggested during the hearing that he would be back next session with an even stronger bill.

Kudos to Adina Levin (SB1116) and Chip Rosenthal (SB1579), who organized our teams to educate legislators about the bills... and to ACLU-Texas, especially Kathy Mitchell, who supported our efforts with information and energy.

I made my own second round of visits at the legislature today with Don Turnbull, who was also going in for the second time. Tom Morin was there, too: his first round. It's clear to me now that talking to the legisature works. It's hard and you may not win all the battles, but they have to give you at least some degree of their attention when you walk in the door, and if you do a good job making your case, you can capture real interest, and this will sometimes make a difference.

Those of you who are interested in impacting legislative process, email info at effaustin.org - we'll be debriefing soon.

Discuss Legislative Efforts