Louisiana lawmakers have unanimously agreed to create the
misdemeanor crime of "cyberbullying" - to ban harassing or
intimidating someone under the age of 18 by text message, e-mail or
posts on social networking sites like Facebook.
The House and Senate gave final passage to the bill (House Bill
1259) by Rep. Roy Burrell, D-Shreveport, on Monday, sending it to
the governor's desk.
Anyone convicted of cyberbullying will face a prison sentence of
up to six months and a fine up to $500. Penalties are lessened if
the offender is under the age of 17.
During debate on the bill this session, Burrell cited six cases
in which students have killed themselves because of such
harassment.

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