Colorado has repealed its criminal libel law, under which a person who questioned someone's "honesty, integrity, virtue or reputation" could be sent to prison.Gov.
Tag: legislation
Will “indecent proposals” soon be a crime in Kentucky? “Anti-harassment” bills reach cinematic heights.
Demi Moore film fans have known for years that an "indecent proposal" can undermine your marriage.
Indiana’s HB 1169 goes to conference committee for more tinkering
The latest update in Indiana House Bill 1169’s journey through the legislature is starting to make neurosurgery look easy.Tory Flynn, an Indiana Republican caucus spokeswoman, said the House dissented Thursday to a recent Senate amendment. The bill will go to a conference committee made up of both Senators and House members to hash out the kinks.House Bill 1169 began as a bill to give school administrators authority to punish students for off-campus speech — whether lawful or unlawful.
Colo. legislator wants to repeal state’s criminal libel statute in response to Howling Pig saga
A Senate bill in Colorado has been proposed in hopes of repealing the state’s criminal libel law.The current law defines criminal libel as a class six felony.
New Texas secrecy law risks criminalizing reporting about trade schools
A law recently signed by Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a could-be presidential candidate, risks handcuffing journalists in their coverage of proprietary, non-degree-granting colleges -- assuming it isn't thrown out as unconstitutional.House Bill 2538, sponsored by state Rep.
Rhode Island’s no-Facebook-in-school ban is redundant and confusing
Rhode Island’s legislature is poised to put the state atop a list that none should aspire to lead: Most backward in incorporating technology into teaching.In a well-motivated quest to respond to uncivil bullying speech, the Senate gave final passage Thursday to an anti-bullying measure that includes a blanket prohibition on the use of social networking sites on school grounds during school hours.Unless vetoed by Gov.
Study: Students’ civics awareness drops — again
As Gomer Pyle, USMC, would say: Surprise!
W. Va. passes reporters’ shield bill that includes student journalists
Legislators in West Virginia on Saturday unanimously approved a bill to protect journalists' confidential sources -- a bill that now includes student reporters.A floor amendment in the state senate added student journalists at "accredited educational institutions" to the definition of "reporter" in the legislation.
A happier new year for press freedom in California schools – no matter what kind
You have to salute the ingenuity, if not the integrity, of school and college administrators bent on smothering the voices of dissent.
Groups challenge Massachusetts ‘harmful to minors’ Internet speech law
A coalition of free speech groups, publishers and booksellers filed suit July 13 against the State of Massachusetts to block enforcement of a law that would fine and/or imprison for up to ten years anyone who operates a Web site or transmits through e-mail, instant message, text message and other forms of online communication nudity or sexually related material deemed harmful to minors.Massachusetts’ attempt to craft such a law is the latest in a long line of efforts by states and the federal government to punish those who post “harmful” material online.