As to the sexting issue, I question the wisdom of the Governor's proposals. Teens are a fragile group and already we have seen two teens (Florida's Hope Witsell and Ohio's Jessie Logan) take their lives over sexting pictures. Now the gov. wants to saddle them with being sex offenders -criminalizing sexting-, that may push more over the edge. The Gov and lawmakers need input from professionals on how to handle teens, clearly criminalizing dumb behavior is not the answer!3-23-2010 Connecticut:
Governor M. Jodi Rell today submitted written testimony to the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee in support of her three proposals that would reform and further strengthen the state’s sex offender registry and toughen laws against child-sex predators and criminals who engage in human trafficking. She also supports the Committee’s proposal to ban “sexting” by teenagers.
“All of these reforms turn up the pressure and punishment on the sick individuals who victimize children and give law enforcement and parents more tools to monitor the moves of child predators,” Governor Rell said. “These predators and their crimes will no longer be shielded by the anonymity of cyberspace. These laws will help ensure that there will be no place to hide.”
The Governor also supports the Committee’s House Bill 5533, An Act Concerning Sexting, which prohibits children 13 to 17 years of age, from possessing and transmitting sexually explicit photos through cell phones or other communication devices. The Governor would like to see the proposal be expanded to include the texting of sexually explicit words and messages among that same age group.
“Sexually explicit messages and images shared among adolescents and teenagers are highly inappropriate and may well lead to dangerous behavior. The technology makes it far too easy to victimize young people,” Governor Rell said.
The Governor’s Senate Bill 34, An Act Concerning Computer Crimes Against Children, would criminalize the use of “interactive” computer and Internet services such as a webcam or phone camera to entice children into displaying intimate body parts.
“Protection of our children requires not only efforts of parents and law enforcement officials but also our elected officials in making sure our laws keep pace with a rapidly changing world,” Governor Rell said. “Passage of this is essential to that ongoing effort.”
The Governor’s Senate Bill 33, An Act Concerning the Registration of Sexual Offenders, implements provisions of the national Adam Walsh law, which provides consistency among states. Currently in Connecticut, the requirement to register as a sex offender is based on a conviction for an offense and not an assessment of risk. The 2006 Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act (AWA), named after a Florida boy kidnapped and killed in 1981, created three classifications of sexual offenders: Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III – based on convictions. The third tier is identified as the most severe and would include offenses such as aggravated sexual abuse and kidnapping.
“The lack of consistency in state registry laws has been taken advantage of by those sexual offenders who have chosen to disappear,” Governor Rell said. “That state action is vital to repair this system.”
The Governor’s House Bill 5030, An Act Concerning the Forfeiture of Money and Property Related to Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking and the Possession of Child Pornography, gives prosecutors the legal tools to seize the property of individuals convicted of child exploitation and human trafficking, much as the assets of drug dealers are currently subject to forfeiture. “They must not profit one dime from their criminal enterprise,” Governor Rell said. ..Source.. Governor Rell's Office
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