Summary
Connecticut Raise Bill 363 would create the crime of using an “interactive computer service” to disseminate to a minor material that is harmful to minors.
“Interactive computer service” is defined as any information service, system or access software provider that enables the computer access by multiple users to a server, including a server that allows access to the Internet.
Analysis
The bill would infringe on the First Amendment right of adults to access speech on the Internet. To comply with the law, content providers would have to limit material available online to what is acceptable for children, preventing adults from accessing speech that is legal for them.
The United States Supreme Court has declares unconstitutional two federal laws that restrict the availability of matter inappropriate for minors on the Internet, in Reno v. American Civil Liberties Union and American Civil Liberties Union v. Gonzalez.
Actions on the bill
- The bill [2] is introduced in February 2008.
- In March 2008, Media Coalition submits a letter to the co-chairmen of the Connecticut Joint Judiciary Committee [1], explaining constitutional issues with the bill.
- Bill fails to pass before the Connecticut legislature adjourns.