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Item 4NCITY OF S0UTHLA1<,.,E DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY M E M O R A N D U M April 21, 2008 TO: Shana Yelverton, City Manager FROM: Wade G. Goolsby, DPS - Chief of Police Services SUBJECT: Resolution No. 08-014, Adopt a Resolution to Support CP80 and Federal Adoption of the Internet Community Ports Act Action Requested: Consider adopting Resolution 08-014 to show support for federal legislation that would allow families and businesses to choose what types of Internet content come into their homes and businesses through the Internet Community Ports Act. Background: The Internet has developed without any meaningful governmental or legal controls. The result is that the adult entertainment industry has been able to market its materials through the internet without any meaningful restriction. Technically speaking, all internet content is routed through a single data port (identified as http; and known as Port 80). A group called the CP80 Foundation has introduced legislation that would create a second port for internet data that would allow internet access without adult content. Currently, the only means of trying to control the content of the internet is through filtering software or sign -on restrictions. The youth of today are typically more technically savvy than their parents and they are usually capable of circumventing the standard restrictions. Even if the individuals are not trying to circumvent the restrictions, the filtering software and sign -on definitions are only partially successful in filtering adult content material and pornography. The problem of adult material and pornography has invaded both private homes and businesses. The easy availability of pornography and the pervasive marketing has become a "porndemic". We have legislation restricting alcohol, tobacco, and firearms from children. We have legislation restricting the location of adult businesses and restricted access to adult material in stores and businesses, but there is no legislation regarding the Internet and controlling material that is harmful to our children. In its efforts to protect the children of this community, the SPARK group (Students and Parents Against Risks to our Kids) has discovered the magnitude of the porndemic and the risks that it poses to our children. Currently, there is an effort to introduce federal legislation that would allow families and businesses to restrict adult materials through technology. This legislation is not intended to restrict freedom of speech or restrict legal material for adults. The legislation, known as the Internet Community Port Act would create an additional data port for internet data so that families and businesses could chose between an unrestricted internet (as it is today) or have an internet without adult content. For more information, please review the website, www.cp80.org The City of Southlake is committed to family values and protecting the right of its citizens to control what materials enter their homes and other private property. The SPARK group has asked for support from the City Council for this important federal legislation. Financial Considerations: None Financial Impact: None Citizen Input/ Board Review: SPARK Committee Legal Review: None. Alternatives: The City Council could choose not to adopt the proposed resolution. The City Council could amend and adopt an amended version of the proposed resolution. The City Council could reject the proposed resolution. Supporting Documents: Supporting documents include: • Resolution 08-014 Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 08-014 to support CP80 and the Federal Adoption of the Internet Community Ports Act. RESOLUTION NO. 08-014 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE TO SUPPORT FEDERAL ADOPTION OF THE INTERNET COMMUNITY PORTS ACT. WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council recognize the Internet as an important and popular means of exchanging information and is relied upon for business, education, recreation, and other uses; WHEREAS, the community committee known as SPARK (Students and Parents Against Risks to our Kids) has become aware of the risks to our families and businesses posed by unwanted pornography through the internet; WHEREAS, many Internet sites contain material that is pornographic, either obscene or inappropriate for children, and represent a threat to the values and family structure of this community; WHEREAS, the availability of Internet pornography on the job costs employers significant numbers of work hours, strains employee relations, reduces productivity, and leads to potentially hostile work environments; WHEREAS, while the custody, care, and nurturing of children resides primarily with the parent, the widespread availability and ability for children to circumvent current filtering technology defeats the best attempts at Internet parental control; WHEREAS, prior attempts by Congress to control children's access to Internet pornography have not been based on technology that allows individual Internet users to select what kind of Internet content enters their homes and work spaces; WHEREAS, protecting the right of Southlake citizens to control what materials enter their homes and other private property is a compelling interest of the City of Southlake: THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, THAT: Section 1: The City of Southlake hereby strongly urges the United States Congress to take action to stop children and employees from accessing Internet pornography. Section 2: The City of Southlake further urges the United States Congress to seriously consider enacting legislation to facilitate a technology based solution that allows parents and employers to subscribe to Internet access services that exclude adult content. Section 3: A copy of this resolution be sent to the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States, and members of the Texas congressional delegation. PASSED AND APPROVED THIS THE DAY OF , 2008. Andy Wambsganss, Mayor ATTEST: Lori Farwell, City Secretary