Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 112 Part 3.djvu/556

 112 STAT. 2386 PUBLIC LAW 105-271—OCT. 19, 1998 Public Law 105-271 105th Congress An Act rvt 1Q iQQa To encourage the disclosure and exchange of information about computer processing

problems, solutions, test practices and test results, and related matters in connec- (S. 2392] tion with the transition to the year 2000. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of Year 2000 the United States of America in Congress assembled. Information and Readiness SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. isUScTnote! This Act may be cited as the "Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act". SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) FlNDBSTGS.— Congress finds the following: (1)(A) At least thousands but possibly millions of information technology computer S3rstems, software programs, and semiconductors are not capable of recognizing certain dates in 1999 and after Deceml^r 31, 1999, and will read dates in the year 2000 and thereafter as if those dates represent the year 1900 or thereafter or will fail to process those dates. (B) The problem described in subparagraph (A) and resulting failures could incapacitate systems that are essential to the ftmctioning of markets, commerce, consimier products, utilities, government, and safety and defense systems, in the United States and throughout the world. (C) Reprogramming or replacing affected systems before the problem incapacitates essential systems is a matter of national and global interest. (2) The prompt, candid, and thorough disclosure and exchange of information related to year 2000 readiness of entities, products, and services— (A) would greatly enhance the ability of public and private entities to improve their year 2000 readiness; and (B) is therefore a matter of national importance and a vital factor in minimizing any potential year 2000 related disruption to the Nation's economic well-being and security. (3) Concern about the potential for legal Uabuity associated with the disclosure and exchange of year 2000 readiness information is impeding the disclosure and exchange of such information. (4) The capability to freely disseminate and exchange information relating to year 2000 readiness, solutions, test practices and test results, with the public and other entities without undue concern about Utigation is critical to the ability of public and private entities to address year 2000 needs in a timely manner.

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