Governor's Task Force

Governor’s Task Force Completes Recommendations to Better Protect Missourians from Internet Harassment

JEFFERSON CITY, Tuesday January 8, 2008—Heeding the call of Gov. Matt Blunt to review Missouri laws that relate to stalking, harassment and child endangerment, Director of Public Safety and Internet Harassment Task Force Chairman Mark James announced the task force has provided recommendations for possible legislation for the governor’s review.

“My most important responsibility is to help protect the people of Missouri and I believe with the expertise of this task force they have thoughtfully examined how to better protect young people using technology to socialize with friends and family,” Blunt said. “I look forward to reviewing these recommendations and want to thank the bi-partisan legislators, law enforcement officers, child services advocates, Internet providers and especially Tina Meier, Megan Meier’s mother for testifying before the group with what can only be an extremely difficult story to relive.”

“I am confident the governor will be pleased with the direction the task force has taken as our diverse group worked to draft legislation ensuring cyber bullying and harassment is clearly defined in state statute and offenders are punished deservingly,” James said.

The Internet Harassment Task Force put the finishing touches on a draft bill criminalizing the use of any electronic device, which includes computers and text messaging on cell phones for the harassment of another person. The draft bill calls for penalties ranging from a class A misdemeanor to a class D felony depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense. Additionally, the Task Force is recommending that DESE consider requiring computer ethics and etiquette be added to any computer classes being taught in schools and to seek legislation adding harassment as a mandatory reportable offense under current safe schools statutes.

The group was charged with carefully reviewing state law and making recommendations for changes to better protect Missourians from Internet harassment. The Task Force had a deadline of thirty days to make recommendations ensuring the group’s recommended legislative changes may be considered during the next legislative session.

Gov. Blunt's strong leadership ensured Missouri has one of the toughest versions of Jessica's Law in the nation. The legislation mandates a lifetime sentence with a minimum of 30 years for serious sexual crimes committed against young children and calls for certain sex offenders to be monitored their entire lives. The governor also led the successful effort to expand the state's sexual offender registry and add new tools to make it a more powerful resource for parents and law enforcement officials.

*News Release*
*Public Safety*	Matt Blunt, Governor	Mark James, Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, please contact: Terri Durdaller Communication Director Work:(573) 751-4819 Cell: (573) 301-2023
Governor’s Task Force Completes Recommendations to Better Protect Missourians from Internet Harassment JEFFERSON CITY, Tuesday January 8, 2008—Heeding the call of Gov. Matt Blunt to review Missouri laws that relate to stalking, harassment and child endangerment, Director of Public Safety and Internet Harassment Task Force Chairman Mark James announced the task force has provided recommendations for possible legislation for the governor’s review. “My most important responsibility is to help protect the people of Missouri and I believe with the expertise of this task force they have thoughtfully examined how to better protect young people using technology to socialize with friends and family,” Blunt said. “I look forward to reviewing these recommendations and want to thank the bi-partisan legislators, law enforcement officers, child services advocates, Internet providers and especially Tina Meier, Megan Meier’s mother for testifying before the group with what can only be an extremely difficult story to relive.” “I am confident the governor will be pleased with the direction the task force has taken as our diverse group worked to draft legislation ensuring cyber bullying and harassment is clearly defined in state statute and offenders are punished deservingly,” James said. The Internet Harassment Task Force put the finishing touches on a draft bill criminalizing the use of any electronic device, which includes computers and text messaging on cell phones for the harassment of another person. The draft bill calls for penalties ranging from a class A misdemeanor to a class D felony depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense. Additionally, the Task Force is recommending that DESE consider requiring computer ethics and etiquette be added to any computer classes being taught in schools and to seek legislation adding harassment as a mandatory reportable offense under current safe schools statutes. The group was charged with carefully reviewing state law and making recommendations for changes to better protect Missourians from Internet harassment. The Task Force had a deadline of thirty days to make recommendations ensuring the group’s recommended legislative changes may be considered during the next legislative session. Gov. Blunt's strong leadership ensured Missouri has one of the toughest versions of Jessica's Law in the nation. The legislation mandates a lifetime sentence with a minimum of 30 years for serious sexual crimes committed against young children and calls for certain sex offenders to be monitored their entire lives. The governor also led the successful effort to expand the state's sexual offender registry and add new tools to make it a more powerful resource for parents and law enforcement officials.
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