via CNN
Before Saturday, a Florida teenager who sent or received nude photos or video could have been charged with a felony and forced to register as a sex offender.
But a new law, recognizing the proliferation of cell phones and computers, eases the penalties for “sexting” infractions.
A first offense is punishable by eight hours of community service or a $60 fine; the second is a misdemeanor and the third is a felony.
State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Wellington, sponsored the legislation, which was approved in June.
“When our child pornography laws were written, they failed to take into account advances in technology, such as cell phones,” Abruzzo said in a statement published on the website of CNN affiliate WPBF in West Palm Beach. “(This bill) modernizes these laws to ensure that children’s lives are not ruined due to youthful indiscretion. This reform will let our youth know that such behavior is wrong without labeling them sex offenders for the rest of their lives.”
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Article courtesy cnn.com
