OH- Teen sexting' penalties too harsh, lawmakers say

4-15-2009 Ohio:

Bills hold juveniles accountable without labeling them sex offenders

Two Ohio lawmakers want to make sure teens accused of "sexting" -- sending sexually explicit photos of themselves via cell phones or the Internet -- are not labeled felons and sex offenders.

Companion bills introduced by Rep. Ron Maag of Salem Township and Sen. Bob Schuler of Sycamore Township, both Republicans, would make sending, receiving and viewing electronically transmitted nude pictures of juveniles by juveniles a misdemeanor. The same acts would still be a felony for adults.

At a news conference Monday, the lawmakers said the bills would clarify Ohio laws and the discussion will educate families about sexting. ..News Source.. by Plain Dealer Reporter