State Senator Waltz (R-Greenwood) has introduced State Senate Bill No. 79
that targets sexual predators using social networking sites.
Synopsis: Makes it a Class A misdemeanor for a convicted sex
offender to use a social networking program frequented by children or an
instant messaging or chat room program. Increases the penalty to a Class D
felony if the offender against children uses the program to contact a child or
has a prior conviction under this statute. If Senate Bill is passed by the
senate and house of representatives and is eventually signed into law by
Governor Daniels then this bill be effective July 1, 2008 and applies to crimes
committed after June 30, 2008
Effective: July 1, 2008.
Source:
http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2008/IN/IN0079.1.html
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10. January 2008 at 15:08
We want to hear your comments on this bill! Please share your opinion here!
4. February 2008 at 16:42
Senate Bill 79 never made it to the floor to be voted on because the Senate has such a “bill load” this session.
The bill is now being introduced in the House and additional information has been added to this bill. Visit the following link for more information
Source: http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2008&session=1&request=getBill&doctype=HB&docno=1329
DIGEST OF HB1329 (Updated January 30, 2008 5:57 pm - DI 84)
Sex offenses and children. Provides that, as a condition of probation or parole, a sex offender: (1) must consent to the search of the sex offender’s computer at any time; (2) must permit installation on the sex offender’s computer or device with Internet capability of hardware or software to monitor the sex offender’s Internet usage; (3) may be prohibited by a probation or parole officer from using or accessing certain web sites, chat rooms, or instant messaging programs; and (4) may not delete, erase, or tamper with information on the sex offender’s computer that relates to Internet usage. Requires a school corporation to include a mandatory instructional unit on safely using the Internet for grades 3 and above. Makes it a Class A misdemeanor for a person at least 21 years of age to propose a face to face meeting with a child less than 14 years of age by computer network or cellular telephone text message if the communication between the parties involves a reference to sexual activity, and enhances the crime to a Class D felony for a second or subsequent offense. Specifically provides that law enforcement officials may seize computers and other equipment used to commit or facilitate sex crimes. Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally: (1) photographs a person who is in a state of nudity and is in an area in which a person would reasonably be expected to disrobe; and (2) fails to destroy the image that was photographed, shows the image to another person, publishes the image, or makes the image available on the Internet, after the person who was photographed asks the person to destroy or not show the image, commits photographic voyeurism, a Class A misdemeanor. Prohibits an offender against children from entering or loitering within 1,000 feet of school property, a youth program center, or a public park if the offender knows that children are present. Provides a defense if the offender enters the school property, youth program center, or public park to vote, or if the offender enters a school to attend a meeting with school personnel concerning the offender’s child and the offender: (1) has notified the school that the person is an offender against children; and (2) is accompanied by a school employee to and from the meeting.