Senate To Consider Measure Requiring Computer Techs
To Report Child Porn

Senator Glenn Coffee is hoping for full senate approval for a measure that would require computer technicians who discover child pornography while repairing computers to report that information to the police. The measure recently cleared its first hurdle when it was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Coffee said the idea behind Senate Bill 565 is not a new one.

"States already require photo labs to report child pornography they may find while developing film. This is really the same concept. We've had cases in the past here in Oklahoma where an individual has brought their computer in for repairs and the technician, after discovering porn images of children, has called the police. But they aren't required to do that by law. This bill would make it mandatory to report it to police," explained Senator Coffee, R-OKC.

South Carolina approved a similar measure last year. Other states are also examining such proposals as a way of identifying individuals who collect or trade child pornography over the internet.

"The very existence of these images is evidence that a child has been the victim of sexual abuse. That's why it is so important to do everything possible to go after these predators," explained Coffee

Under SB 565, computer technicians would be required by law to report any child pornography they find while repairing an individual's computer or face a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500.00.

"In the past two decades there has been a massive effort by law enforcement agencies here in the U.S. and abroad to reduce the availability of child pornography. These predators used to sell child porn in adult bookstores and through the mail. Some still do, but with the crackdown by police, they've turned to the internet. Again, every image out there in cyberspace represents a child who has been sexually abused. That's why we have to use every resource possible to address this epidemic," said Coffee.

Senator Coffee said he hoped to bring the measure before the full Senate for a vote within the next few days. If approved, SB 565 will move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.