Vote Smart's Synopsis:

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).

Full Bill Text