Senate Votes To Reduce Sexting Penalties For Minors
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) - When it comes to teens 'sexting' Florida lawmakers agree that the penalties should be reduced for minors.
On Tuesday the Senate passed the House version (HB 75) on a 39-0 vote which makes the first violation a non-criminal offense and a second violation a misdemeanor. A third violation would be a felony.
Electronically sending sexually explicit photos or videos of oneself generally is known as 'sexting'.
Under existing law it can result in minors being convicted on child pornography charges and being required to register as a sex offender. The bill would also allow a minor who gets such an image to report it to police, parents or teachers without being charged with receiving or transmitting child pornography.
The measure now goes to Gov. Rick Scott.
