Pennsylvania Lawmakers Crack Down On ‘Sexting’ By Minors

October 18, 2012 3:30 AM

FILE: Phillip Alpert says “sexting” has ruined his life. Alpert, 20, had to register as a sex offender two years ago after emailing nude photos of under age girlfriend. They were both minors when the photos were taken. He has been kicked out of college, cannot get a job and has to attend an offender class each with men who have raped children or molested dozens. (Photo by Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/MCT via Getty Images)

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By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - A bill designed to crack down on the practice of “sexting” by minors in Pennsylvania is on its way to Governor Corbett’s desk, and a spokesman says the governor is expected to sign it.

The bill creates a tiered approach to the practice of minors transmitting nude or sexually explicit images of themselves or other youths. It would be a misdemeanor for more severe offenses, such as when it is done without consent or to bully someone. But it would also be a summary offense even in cases where it is consensual, something that troubled Delaware County Democrat Greg Vitali.

“To criminalize this sort of teenage experimentation, I think is the wrong way to go.”

The sexting bill was one of a flurry of bills sent to the governor in what legislative leaders said would be the last voting day of the current two-year session. One major piece of legislation that did not get done was charter school reform.

Support for a Senate-passed bill collapsed in the House Wednesday night.