Sexting Bill
April 13th, 2010 by flanewsLawmakers are debating a bill that would lessen the penalties for teens who send or receive nude picture of themselves or another minor. The act is called sexting and right now if a minor is caught doing it they can be charged with a felony and be forced to register as a sex offender for the rest of their lives. State Senator Dave Aronberg is sponsoring the legislation. The bill eliminates criminal charges for a minor who receives a nude picture from a peer.
“The child pornographer is also the victim. It’s a different situation and so the person who innocently receives a picture like this on her cell phone, if that person is also under 18, they should not be arrested as a felon and should not be registered as a sex offender for the rest of their life,” said Aronberg.
A 2008 survey found that one in five teens has sent a nude picture of themselves through email or text message. Aronberg’s bill makes the offense a misdemeanor carrying a small fine and community service.
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