A House Judiciary Criminal Law Subcommittee approved a proposed bill Wednesday that would make it illegal for teenagers ages 12 through 17 to knowingly transmit sexually explicit pictures via text messaging.
COLUMBIA (WACH) -- A House Judiciary Criminal Law Subcommittee approved a proposed bill Wednesday that would make it illegal for teenagers ages 12 through 17 to knowingly transmit sexually explicit pictures via text messaging.
The proposed bill, H. 3130, now heads to the full committee and then to the Senate.
This is the second time H.3130 was sent back to the subcommittee.
Lawmakers had to tweak it to protect teens from unnecessary prosecution. Right now, a minor could be prosecuted for a felony crime for disseminating sexually explicit photos.
“We wanted to be sure that we were not criminalizing young people, so we’ve taken out prosecution for things like second and third degree distribution of pornography. The idea is to get the attention of the young person," says Representative Joan Brady (R) District 78.
Also under the changes to the bill, any court proceedings for a sexting offense would be heard in family court.
Offenders would face up to a $100 fine and be required to complete an educational program.
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