/BIG>
Preliminary Agenda
Communications and Information Policy Committee
NCSL Annual Meeting – Las Vegas, Nevada
July 20-23, 1998
Monday, July 20th
| 2:15 – 4:15 pm |
E-Commerce |
Commerce on the Internet provides unparalleled opportunities for global trade and business development. But in order to ensure success in this new electronic environment, financial and business transactions must be secure and legally protected. In this session speakers will examine current and proposed laws and policies regarding electronic sales and transactions.
(Joint program with the AFI Commerce and Communications Committee)
Tuesday, July 21st
| 7:30 am - 8:00 am |
Committee Continental Breakfast |
| 8:15 – 9:45 am |
Tour/Briefing Nevada Legislative Videoconferencing Center |
The Nevada legislature conducts more than 200 remote hearings yearly from the Las Vegas videoconference center. Participants will have an opportunity to see the center and participate in a mini videoconference.
| 10:00 – 11:45 am |
Digital Democracy
|
Where is the computer and communications revolution leading society — how is it shaping and re-defining government? The move toward a digital democracy accelerates with society’s increasing reliance upon technology to conduct everyday business. The use of the Internet to gain access to and influence government poses new challenges for government in the new millennium. In this session, legislators and renowned policy experts will discuss the impact of information technology on the democratic process.
| 12 noon – 1:30 pm |
Legislators and Staff Luncheons |
| 1:45 – 3:30 pm |
New Approaches to Managing an Electronic Government |
As expenditures for computer and telecommunications services continue to grow, states are exploring the best ways to manage these vital responsibilities. Which approach works best – one state Chief Information Officer (CIO), agency CIOs, a technology council of business and government experts? In this session, speakers will discuss various state approaches to managing information technology and will highlight pros and cons of each.
|
Telecommunications, Information Policy & Technology Programs
NCSL Annual Meeting — Las Vegas, Nevada
July 21 - 23, 1998
Tuesday, July 21st
| 3:30 –5:30 pm |
Concurrent Session
Millennium Meltdown |
With less than a year and a half left to make computer systems capable of supporting dates in the new century, experts are debating the potential threat to government and business operations if conversion projects fail. In this session, industry experts and policymakers will discuss the status of government Year 2000 conversion projects and the costs involved. In addition, speakers will discuss state legislation that limits liability for Year 2000 errors.
Wednesday, July 22nd
| 9:45 – 11:45 am |
Special Briefing
Internet Taxation |
This session will provide an overview of the current controversy surrounding the state and local taxation of the Internet. Speakers will discuss congressional efforts to place a moratorium on new or discriminatory state and local taxes levied on the Internet, as well as discuss the progress of the National Tax Association’s Communications and Electronic Commerce Tax Project.
| 3:00 – 5:00 pm |
Concurrent Session
You Be the Judge! Is the Telecommunications Act of 1996 Unconstitutional? |
Two federal court decisions have challenged the constitutionality of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and its implementation by the Federal Communications Commission. The Supreme Court will likely review both decisions in the next year. Arguments for both sides in these defining court decisions will be presented. Attendees will have the opportunity to play Supreme Court Justices, ask the questions and then render a decision.
Thursday, July23rd
| 8:00 – 10:00 am |
Concurrent Session
Slamming, Cramming, Spamming! |
A new dance craze? Unfortunately, the words refer to various illegal practices by telecommunications service providers against unwitting consumers. Slamming is the unauthorized switching of long distance service providers, cramming is the unauthorized piling up of phone service consumer options, and spamming is the unauthorized sending of "junk" e-mail. This session will look at what states are doing and the possible impact of federal legislation.
| 
