Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the cyberbullying of minors, effective July 1, 2014.
Highlights:
Classifies a violation of “cyberbullying” as follow (Sec. 1):
Class 2 misdemeanor; or
Class 1 misdemeanor if the individual engages in cyberbullying because of the victim’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Defines “cyberbullying” as an act by an individual who knowingly through the use of “social media” posts or statements about a minor or makes a credible threat against a minor that results in “serious emotional distress” to the minor (Sec. 1).
Defines “cyberbullying” as any of the following actions that result in “serious emotional distress” to a minor (Sec. 1):
The individual posts information on social media or another source with the intent to cause a minor to suffer emotional stress; or
The individual makes a credible threat against a minor that the individual knows or should reasonably know will be viewed by the minor.
Defines “social media” as any electronic medium, including an interactive computer service, that allows users to create, share, and view user-generated content including, but not limited to, the following content (Sec. 1):
Videos and still photographs;
Blogs, video blogs, and podcasts;
Instant messages and electronic mail; or
Internet web site profiles.
Prohibits a victim of cyberbullying from being required to receive professional treatment or counseling as proof that he or she suffered serious emotional distress (Sec. 1).