BILL REQ. #:  S-1347.1 

Read first time 02/07/2005.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to internet safety; creating new sections; making an appropriation; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that teenagers ages twelve through nineteen are the most victimized segment of our population. The legislature further finds that online communications are increasingly common among teenagers and that one of the biggest dangers to our children's personal safety is getting together or meeting someone whom they first met online. The legislature further finds that of youth ages ten to seventeen who use the internet regularly, approximately one in five received a sexual solicitation or approach over the internet. The legislature further finds that Washington's children can be protected by teaching both children and their parents and guardians how to protect themselves while using the internet.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The safety center advisory committee shall develop and distribute a pamphlet to promote internet safety for children particularly in grades seven through twelve. The pamphlet shall be posted on the superintendent of public instruction's web site. To the extent funds are available, the pamphlet shall be distributed in schools throughout the state and in other areas accessible to youth including but not limited to libraries and community centers.
     (2) This section expires June 30, 2006.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The sum of forty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005, from the general fund to the office of the superintendent of public instruction to develop and distribute the pamphlet under section 2 of this act.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.