SPRINGFIELD, Ill. An Illinois measure that would criminalize Internet bullying is in Governor Rod Blagojevich’s hands.
The state House on Thursday signed off on the bill. It outlaws the use of the Internet to harass someone and specifically bars the posting of threatening comments on Web sites or online message boards.
The legislation is in response to the case of a 13-year-old Missouri girl who hanged herself in 2006 after receiving cruel messages via MySpace.
Violations would be punishable by up to one year in prison for a first offense and up to three years for a second.
Missouri lawmakers approved a similar measure last week. (AP)
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