Rhode Island H.B 5570 would criminalize the knowing and international use of a computer or electronic device to disseminate to a minor a depiction of sexually explicit nudity or conduct. A violation of the legislation would be felony subject to five years of prison, a fine of $5,000 or both.
Media Coalition sent a memo of opposition on March 26,2013. Media coalition opposes this bill as a section 11-9-1.5, would apply to material based on content, and is therefore immediately constitutionally suspect. The definition of what materials is illegal to disseminate to a minor is also constitutionally overboard and does not include any prongs from the Miller/Ginsberg test. Section 11-64-3 is also likely unconstitutional as the First Amendment does not allow a prior restraint on a lawfully taken picture.
Actions:
Media Coalition submitted Memo of Opposition on 3-26-2013