New PA law changes the penalties for teens who are sexting - CBS 21 News - Breaking news, sports and weather for the Harrisburg -York -Lancaster -Lebanon Pennsylvania area
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Both the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives passed a bill that punishes kids for sexting.
At the same time, it also lessens the punishment from a felony to a misdemeanor or summary offense.
The bill is designed to punish those 17 or younger for sexting. The people we spoke with, including a prosecutor, like the fact that this actually lessens the severity of the consequences for these kids.
Right now, in Pennsylvania, sending graphic or nude images by text is considered child porn and therefore, a felony. That means teens who sext can have a felony on their record.
But a new law passed by the state Senate Wednesday would change that.
It would lessen the consequences for those 17 or younger, making sexting a misdemeanor or a summary offense.
"It better fits because child pornography statute really didn't fit this type of situation," explained Dauphin County Assistant District Attorney Sean McCormack.
McCormack, who prosecutes child porn cases, agrees with the law, which passed the senate 37 to 12. It would also punish a minor who knowingly possesses or views a sexually explicit image of another youth 12 or older.
"This is trying to come up with a situation where you're still saying it's a criminal activity but we won't treat it as child pornography as we did in the past," McCormack continued.
"I've never had anybody want to sext me and I've never wanted to sext anybody," commented young adult Shun Ladonne.
Adults like Shun and teens say they like the change in the law and that it's a good idea because so many teens still take part in sexting.
"Underage keep it a misdemeanor, over age, felony," Shun said.
"I actually agree with that strangely because I feel like a felony is too much trouble for a thing such as sexting in today's day and age," commented teen Alyssa Shellenberger. "Cause a lot of kids my age do that."
Wednesday night, the house passed the bill 188-3. The legislation now goes to the governor for his signature.
He has 10 days to sign it, it'll become law 60 days after that.
To read the bill, click on the attached link to head over to the General Assembly website, where you can read the bill and see who voted for and against it.
(via Instapaper)
Victor Cuvo, Attorney at Law
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