FRANKFORT- Bills that would more tightly secure child pornography held as part of court proceedings and further restrict communications by registered sex offenders passed the state House today.
House Bill 120, sponsored by Rep. Chad McCoy, R-Bardstown, would prohibit a defendant from duplicating anything constituting child pornography or sexual performance by a minor that is part of a criminal or civil court proceeding.
HB 70, sponsored by House Judiciary Chair Rep. Joe Fischer, R-Ft. Thomas, would prohibit registered sex offenders from purposely using cell phones and other electronic communications to solicit, communicate with or collect information about a minor, with some exceptions if the minor is the child of the registrant. Violation would be a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
Fischer’s bill would amend current law, which prevents a registered sex offender from purposely using social networking sites, instant messaging or chat rooms if those programs or sites are accessible to minors. Violation of the current law is also a Class A misdemeanor.
Both bills were approved by consent on a vote of 89-0 and now go to the Senate for consideration.