A bill to prohibit sexual predators access to certain computer sites cleared a House committee that defeated it five days earlier.
Sponsored by Rep. Karla Bigham (DFL-Cottage Grove), HF130 would prohibit predators from using social networking sites, like Facebook and MySpace. Offenders would also be prohibited from using instant messaging or chat room Internet sites, even when playing an online game.
Ten members of the House Civil Justice Committee voted yes March 2, with Rep. Joe Mullery (DFL-Mpls), the committee chairman, abstaining. The committee defeated the measure on a 6-6 vote Feb. 25. It now returns to the House Public Safety Policy and Oversight Committee, which gave its approval Feb. 10.
Bigham did not offer any changes to the bill before Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul) moved to reconsider the previous vote.
Both Bigham and Paymar later said the reconsideration came after Bigham further discussed, and clarified, concerns previously made by then-bill opponents. For example, Paymar said he didn’t initially fully understand all the aspects related to online gaming, but felt more comfortable after speaking with Bigham.
Awaiting action by the Senate Judiciary Committee is the bill’s companion, SF403, sponsored by Sen. Mee Moua (DFL-St. Paul).
Turn your key and breathe
House approves ignition interlock bill that would let DWI offenders drive sooner
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Minnesota Index: Crime and punishment
Figures and statistics on crime in Minnesota.
(view full story)
Published 3/18/2010
Red River Basin: ‘Here we go again’
Flood-prone communities look to keep their heads above water
(view full story)
Published 3/4/2010
At Issue: Courts and corrections backing
Public safety finance bill awaits gubernatorial action
(view full story)
Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Corrections, courts funding concerns
Omnibus public safety finance bill gets mixed reaction from House
(view full story)
Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Sex offenders, courts and corrections
Omnibus public safety policy bill headed to conference committee
(view full story)
Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Helping to find missing adults
House vote expected soon on ‘Brandon’s Law’
(view full story)
Published 4/17/2009
Minnesota Index: Keeping Minnesotans safe
Figures and statistics on the state patrol and fire marshals in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 3/20/2009
Minnesota Index: See you in court
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's court system
(view full story)
Published 2/27/2009
Minnesota Index: 'The Graybar Hotel'
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's prison population
(view full story)
Published 1/16/2009