HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 32

INTRODUCED BY P. SLITER , D. EWER, J. BARNETT, R. BITNEY, S. BOOKOUT-REINICKE, R. BROWN, C. JUNEAU, B. KRENZLER, B. LAWSON, G. MASOLO, G. MATTHEWS, J. MCKENNEY,

B. PAVLOVICH, B. SIMON, C. SQUIRES, J. STOVALL, C. TREXLER, C. TUSS

BY REQUEST OF THE HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AND LABOR

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA ENCOURAGING THE PEOPLE OF MONTANA TO PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE DISRUPTIONS OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES AS A RESULT OF THE Y2K PROBLEM AND ENCOURAGING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO URGE THEIR CONSTITUENTS TO BE PREPARED.

WHEREAS, there is an identified global computer problem, sometimes called "the millennium bug" and referred to below as the "Y2K problem", that may render computers and microprocessors incapable of calculating dates following January 1, 2000; and

WHEREAS, the Y2K problem may affect computers used by business, industry, public utilities, and federal, state, and local governments, as well as others;

WHEREAS, computers that have not been properly tested and repaired may fail as a result of the Y2K problem; and

WHEREAS, the Y2K problem may also affect microprocessor chips that are embedded or otherwise used in consumer goods, medical equipment, traffic control equipment, telecommunications equipment, industrial processes, and energy supply systems; and

WHEREAS, much of our modern way of life is dependent upon the proper and uninterrupted functioning of computers and microprocessors; and

WHEREAS, the failure of computers and microprocessors could cause interruptions in the delivery of electrical power, natural gas, motor fuels, telephone service, food supplies, consumer goods, medical services and supplies, and other goods and services; and

WHEREAS, these possible interruptions in the supply of goods and services have the potential to cause hardship and economic losses for the people and businesses of Montana; and

WHEREAS, in the event that serious disruptions resulting from the Y2K problem do occur, those individuals, families, and communities that have prepared for such events should fare better than those who have not; and

WHEREAS, state and local governments have over the years taken prudent steps to raise and maintain public awareness of the importance of disaster preparedness.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That all Montana residents are encouraged to educate and prepare themselves for possible disruptions in the supply of goods and services that could happen beginning on January 1, 2000.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Montana citizens are encouraged to make or adopt a family Y2K preparation plan in addition to other plans they may already have to prepare for and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Montana businesses and suppliers of critically important services, including hospitals and pharmacies, are encouraged to increase their inventories of essential operational parts, supplies, and other materials.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that local governments are encouraged to make or adopt a Y2K preparedness plan and to further encourage their constituents to prepare for possible disruptions in the supply of goods and services.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that local governments, community organizations, churches, and neighborhoods are encouraged to develop Y2K preparedness councils to assist others with information about how to become prepared and to coordinate and assist with purchases of essential supplies.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to each Board of County Commissioners, to each incorporated city or town, and to each of the eight tribal governments in Montana.

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