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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A legislative panel is discussing a bill that would ban teens from sexting in South Carolina.

A House subcommittee on Wednesday is planning to debate proposed legislation that would make it illegal for juveniles ages 12 through 17 to knowingly transmit sexually explicit photos.

Offenders would face up to a $100 fine and be required to complete an educational program. Currently, a minor could be prosecuted for a felony crime for disseminating sexually explicit photos.

Rep. Joan Brady originally introduced the bill last year. The Columbia Republican said she hoped the bill would educate parents to the problem and help teens understand the negative emotional repercussions of messages that can sometimes constitute cyber bullying.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)