February 23, 2015

Pa. House passes cyberbullying bill

Under the legislation, those who commit cyberbullying could serve up to a year in jail

By Lane Blackmer
PhillyVoice Contributor

The Pennsylvania House passed a bill Monday that would make the cyberbullying of a child a third-degree misdemeanor and allow juveniles who perpetrate the crime to be prosecuted in juvenile court.

The bill passed overwhelmingly, in a 193-to-5 vote. A third-degree misdemeanor carries a sentence of one year in jail, NBC Philadelphia reported.

The bill defines the crime as being committed with an intent to harass, annoy or alarm by using electronic social media to disparage the child's health, characteristics, sexuality or sexual activity, or to threaten harm.

The bill, proposed by Rep. Ron Marsico of Dauphin County, will now go to the Senate for consideration.

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Lane Blackmer
PhillyVoice Contributor