RI Lawmakers Look To Outlaw Teen 'Sexting'
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island lawmakers will consider legislation that makes it illegal for minors to send sexually explicit photos of themselves electronically.
The bill would make it a juvenile offense for minors to engage in so-called 'sexting.' A Rhode Island House committee is set to review the legislation Wednesday.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 10 states have enacted restrictions on sexting since 2009.
Supporters of the bill in Rhode Island say they want to discourage sexting without imposing harsh penalties on teens who may not understand the consequences of their actions.
The bill is the work of a task force created by the General Assembly to investigate cyber bullying and sexting.
Similar legislation failed last year in the General Assembly.
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