New law cracks down on child pornography, sexual predators, and sex offenders

July 8, 11:36 PMTampa Crime ExaminerCharisse Van Horn

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A new Florida law that went into effect on July 1, 2009 cracks down on child pornography, sexual predators, and sex offenders. CS/HB 115 provides new guidelines for libraries and sexual predators and sex offenders when they are registering with the sex offender database. The law also places new guidelines for those transmitting child pornography across state lines.

Libraries will use an Internet Safety Education program to ensure that adults and children understand the dangers of child pornography. The safety education program should include computer based educational program that has been endorsed or approved by either a government law enforcement agency or legitimate public safety advocacy group. The program will help ensure that adults and children are aware of the tactics used by online predators and sex offenders.

The passing of CS/HB 115 also removes the residency limitations or requirements that are applicable to some statutes when prosecuting out of state child pornography cases. Whether communicating with minors or transmitting child pornography out of state, you will be prosecuted in Florida.

The final change the law enforces deals with sexual predators and sexual offenders. When sexual predators and offenders register with the sex offender database, they will be required to give their home phone and cell phone numbers in addition to their addresses.

When Governor Charlie Crist signed the bill he said, “Today I am proud to sign legislation that will strengthen Florida’s criminal justice system and make our state a safer place to live and visit. Nothing is more important to the quality of life of our people than to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods and provide our law enforcement officers the tools they need to continue protecting our people.”