OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

 

 

HOUSE REPUBLICANS TO TARGET TEXT MESSAGING

BY SEXUAL PREDATORS

2009 Bill to Strengthen ‘Luring’ Law Passed in 2007

 

SALEM—House Republicans announced today they’ll introduce 2009 legislation to combat text messaging by sexual predators.  The legislation will strengthen the 2007 “luring” law, which makes it a crime for predators to use the Internet to lure their victims.

 

“When it comes to catching predators, technology continues to outpace state law,” said Rep. Andy Olson (R-Albany). “The Legislature passed an important law in 2007 to crack down on Internet predators, yet the statute doesn’t address the use of text messaging for luring. We will close this loophole next session, and continue our efforts to protect children.”

 

Rep. Gene Whisnant (R-Sunriver) said the legislation is needed because sexual predators may increasingly turn to texting as more children use cell phones. A recent news story indicates that nearly half of children ages 11 to 12 now have a cell phone.

 

“More children are using cell phones and text messaging is a favorite way for them to communicate,” said Rep. Whisnant, Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “Adding text messaging to Oregon’s anti-luring law should be a simple task, and we look forward to passing this legislation in 2009.”

 

The proposal is part of the House Republicans’ 2009 agenda, Building a Better Oregon.

 

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