Congratulations to the citizens of the State of Missouri, my home state. I had the honors of witnessing Governor Matt Blunt sign into law Senate Bill 818, which will enable law enforcement and prosecutors to have a basis in which to combat internet harassment and stalking. This is the first step forward in protecting children 17 years or younger.
What this means as an adult before they decide to go after a minor child on the internet, whether it be by email, instant messaging on social networking sites, etc. can be prosecuted for knowingly frighten, intimidate or cause emotional distress to another person by anonymously making a telephone call or any electronic communication.
I was honored to be invited to the Governor’s signing of Senate Bill 818. The battle is not over by any means, but parents we can now rest just a little bit easier. The Governor reported 40 other states have such laws also in play. We thank Senator Scott Rupp, the House, and the Governor’s Task Force in the development of this internet harassment bill.
I testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee in January of 2008 in support of this Bill, so it is commendable their expediency in getting Missouri’s internet anti-stalking, anti-harassment legislation through the process. This bill was processed through the House and passed on to Governor Blunt for signing June 30, 2008.
