RESOLUTION CONCERNING
THE USA PATRIOT ACT
WHEREAS, the United States Congress has passed Public Law 107-56 entitled ""Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA Patriot Act) Act of 2001"; and
WHEREAS, serious questions have been raised concerning certain provisions of the Patriot Act especially as they relate to the Durham County Library and the rights of the citizens of Durham County to be secure in their homes; and
WHEREAS, § 213 of the Patriot Act allows for ""sneak and peek"" searches of people's homes without notifying the homeowner of the search; and
WHEREAS, § 215 of the Patriot Act allows the search of records of patrons of the Durham County Library which are confidential under State law; and
WHEREAS, while the Board of Commissioners recognizes the need for laws to protect the citizens of Durham County and the United States from terrorists, these laws should not be used to invade the privacy of United States citizens or conduct illicit covert surveillance of ordinary Americans.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR THE COUNTY OF DURHAM DOTH RESOLVE:
1. The Congress of the United States is called upon to conduct hearings regarding the appropriateness of the provisions of the Patriot Act and any abuses which may have occurred under the authority of the Patriot Act.
2. The Congress of the United States is further requested to consider the modification or repeal of §§ 213 and 215 of the Patriot Act, and to enact a privilege providing for the confidentiality of records maintained by public libraries by amending F.R.Evid. 501.
3. The County Manager shall send copies of this resolution to the Congressional delegation representing the citizens of Durham County and to the members of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.
This the 22nd day of September, 2003.