ATLANTA – State Representatives Dave Belton (R-Buckhead) and Pam Dickerson (D-Conyers) today announced the final passage of Kelsey’s Law and House Bill 131 by the House and Senate. Reps. Belton and Dickerson, who both represent portions Newton County, collaborated on these bills, which both include measures to address cyberbullying.
“I’m proud that these important bills passed the House and Senate this session, thanks to the collaborative efforts of my colleague and neighbor in Newton County, Rep. Dickerson, who also saw the value in bringing forth cyberbullying legislation,” said Rep. Belton. “The internet poses many dangers for Georgia’s young people, with threats from both peers and adults. Rep. Dickerson’s legislation addresses traditional cyberbullying in schools, while Kelsey’s Law seeks to protect children’s names and images from being associated with obscene depictions. Both pieces of legislation take important steps towards protecting our youth’s emotional and physical safety in today’s digital world.”
Kelsey’s Law was sponsored by Rep. Belton during the 2015 legislative session. Kelsey’s Law creates a misdemeanor for those who intentionally cause a minor to be identified as someone in an obscene depiction. This includes electronically imposing a minor’s face onto an obscene depiction or giving the minor’s name, address, telephone number, or email address. The violation applies to all Georgia residents, even if they conduct the act in another state. Charges can also be made against those residing in other states, if the accused commits the violation within the state of Georgia.
HB 131, which was sponsored by Rep. Dickerson, also seeks to prosecute online offenses against children. HB 131 changes public school policies on bullying so that they include cyber-bullying. Under HB 131, bullying would be prohibited through the use of technological equipment that is the property of the local school system.
“Cyberbullying produces a hostile educational environment that distracts children from learning,” said Rep. Dickerson. “This legislation ensures that cyberbullying is taken seriously by teachers and school administrators, so that efforts can be made to stop such detrimental acts.”
Kelsey’s Law, or SB 160, and HB 131 both received final passage by the Georgia General Assembly on April 2, 2015. The bills will now be considered by Governor Nathan Deal.
For more information on Kelsey’s Law, SB 160, please click here.
For more information on HB 131, please click here.
Representative Dave Belton represents the citizens of District 112, which includes all of Morgan County and the eastern side of Newton County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2014, and currently serves as a member of the Economic Development & Tourism, Education, and Interstate Cooperation committees.
Representative Pam Dickerson represents the citizens of District 113, which includes portions of Rockdale, and Newton counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and serves on the Education, Game, Fish, & Parks, Judiciary Non-Civil, Juvenile Justice, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.
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