From Deseret News archives:
Plan targets access to porn at schools
Under HB100, viewing porn on school computers would be a crime. Plus schools could suspend or expel students who are caught in the act.
Bill sponsor Bud Bowman, R-Cedar City, said currently there is no law against it, although most schools have created policies addressing consequences if students or employees are caught.
"Right now, they have school policies but no law — it needs a little teeth," Bowman said. "The bill would give authorities a way to back it up."
A class B misdemeanor can include penalties of up to six months in jail, and fines. Students would be turned over to juvenile authorities.
Jason Olsen, spokesman for the Salt Lake City School District, said the district has filters that block out pornography sites, along with blogging sites and chat rooms sites that could be questionable for students.
"We do a good job at keeping students away from that, but anything that can help encourage kids to stay away from that, especially in an education setting — we would be supportive of that," Olsen said.
Under current statute, a student may be suspended or expelled for "flagrant willful disobedience," defiance of authority, destruction of school property, threatened behavior and possession or use of an alcoholic beverage.
If the bill passes, "possession or use of pornographic material on school property" will be added to that list.
Bowman said he has talked to school leaders, and they have been supportive of the bill.
"We would be in support of anything that tries to cut back on anything harmful to children and adults," said Chris Williams, Davis spokesman.
