CS/HB 115--Sexual offenders and predators.

The bill encourages all public libraries to adopt an Internet safety education program, including the implementation of a computer-based education program, which has been endorsed by a government-sanctioned law enforcement agency or other reputable public safety advocacy organization and is designed for children and adults. The purpose of the program is to promote the use of prudent online deportment and broaden awareness of online predators. The program must be interactive and age-appropriate. Although the bill only encourages public libraries to adopt the program, the bill requires annual reporting by public libraries to the Division of Library and Information Services on the number of program participants who complete the program. The bill also requires sexual predators and sexual offenders required by law to register or reregister specified information to also provide their home telephone number and any cellular telephone number they may have as part of the registration or re-registration process. Violation of this requirement is punishable as a third degree felony under existing penalty provisions relating to failure to provide required information. The bill also adds [section]847.0135(4), F.S., relating to traveling to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual activity, to the list of offenses that may require a person, if convicted of the offense, to register as a sexual predator or sexual offender. The bill also modifies a state criminal jurisdiction provision in [section]847.0135, F.S., the Computer Pornography and Child Exploitation Act, and provisions of [section]847.0138, F.S., relating to transmission of harmful material to a minor by electronic device or equipment. These amendments, when read together with ch. 910, F.S., relating to jurisdiction and venue, allow for prosecutions of unlawful transmissions that originate from outside of Florida to minors residing in Florida and unlawful transmission that originate within Florida to minors residing outside of Florida. Approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2009. Ch.09-194 L.O.F.