Two news bills have recently been signed into law by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal - to deal with cyberbullying and sexting.

House Bill 1259 fights cyberbullying by making it a crime to send harassing or abusive messages meant to "torment or intimidate" anyone under the age of 17.

Minors who send threatening messages will be referred to counseling and other options short of jail under the state's juvenile and children's code. Adult offenders will face penalties that include a maximum six months in jail, a $500 fine or both.

House Bill 1357, outlaws sexting. According to this bill no under the age of 17 can send a suggestive photo electronically and no one younger than 17 can possess or forward a photo once it is received.

Anyone who sends a suggestive picture of himself or herself to another can be referred to counseling and possibly to juvenile authorities; anyone who possesses a photo or forwards one can be subject to criminal laws.

A first-time offender can be fined $100 to $250, jailed for up to 10 days or both. The jail sentence can be waived and the youth ordered to perform two eight-hour days of community service.

On a second offense, the youth can be fined $250 to $500, jailed for 10 to 30 days or both. The sentence can be suspended and the youth ordered to perform five eight-hour days of community service.

Subsequent convictions can draw fines of $500 to $750, 30 days to six months of jail time or both. The sentence can be suspended but the youth must perform 10 eight-hour days of court-approved community service.

Adults sending or possessing racy pictures of juveniles will be charged with child pornography or other sex-related felonies.

Source: Cyberbullying and sexting bills are signed into law, nola.com, July 8, 2010

Tags: Cyberbullying, sexting, Louisiana, legislation