|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Jennifer Mann |
|
Mann legislation would prohibit Internet use for sex offenders
HARRISBURG, Feb. 20 – State Rep. Jennifer Mann, D-Lehigh, recently introduced legislation to expand the restrictions placed on registered sex offenders.
The bill (H.B. 2247) would prohibit convicted sex offenders from using the Internet if they used the Internet in the commission of their crime. Exceptions would be granted if the person is authorized by a parole or probation officer, or by a court order, to use the Internet for work or to look for a job.
Offenders with permission for limited Internet use through the employment provision would be subject to periodic, unannounced inspection of their computers and related equipment. They would also need to have installed, at their expense, one or more programs to monitor computer usage.
“The anonymous nature of the Internet allows sexual predators using a fake identity to stalk children in their own homes," Mann said. "This easy accessibility requires extra oversight, and those already convicted of using the Internet to commit sex crimes shouldn’t be allowed to have the Internet as a tool in their arsenal."
The bill would apply to any sex offender who is required to register on the Megan’s Law Web site, which was designed to give parents and communities access to information about the presence of a sex offender living in their area. Mann previously authored part of a 2006 law (Act 179) that requires more specific information about sexual offenders, such as physical characteristics, to be posted on the site.
Florida, Nevada and New Jersey have enacted restrictions similar to those in H.B. 2247. The legislation is currently under consideration in the House Judiciary Committee.
###vls/2008/agh
l:\print\releases\limitedinternet.132
|
CONTACT: Victoria L.
Stanish
|