Cyber bullying is now officially a crime in Louisiana, reports the Advocate of Baton Rouge. Gov. Bobby Jindal announced July 7 that he signed House Bill 1259 into law, along with 47 other bills from the 2010 legislative session. HB 1259 criminalizes the “transmission of any electronic textual, visual, written, or oral communication with the malicious and willful intent to coerce, abuse, torment, or intimidate a person under the age of 18.” Bullies over the age of 17 will face a maximum $500 fine and up to six months in jail; younger offenders will undergo counseling. HB 1259 was fiercely debated during the legislative session that ended last month. A compromise was reached to soften the penalties for those under the age of 17…
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