New Jersey teenagers caught texting sexually explicit photos or posting them online could avoid prosecution if a measure survives a final vote in the state Senate Wednesday.
The bill targets “sexting,” the practice of sending explicit photos by cell phone, e-mail or Internet posts. It's a nationwide problem that has confounded parents, school administrators and law enforcement.
The bill would give first-time offenders the chance to complete an education program.
Lawmakers took up the issue after a 14-year-old girl allegedly posted nude pictures of herself on MySpace and was arrested on child pornography charges last summer. She eventually received probation and court-ordered counseling
The Assembly unanimously approved the idea in March. The Senate will decide whether to send it to Gov. Chris Christie's desk.
NJ to Consider ‘Sexting' Legislation
If bill passes, people who "sext" naked photos could be charged, only after the first incident
Copyright AP - Associated Press
