Rupp targets cyber bullies
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Rupp targets cyber bullies

Date: December 3, 2007
By: Brandon Smith
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: In response to the suicide of an O'Fallon girl who was reportedly bullied online, Republican State Senator Scott Rupp is proposing a bill to make cyber-bullying a crime.

Brandon Smith has more from Jefferson City.

RunTime:0:39
OutCue: SOC

The Dardenne Prairie Board of Aldermen passed an ordinance recently banning online harassment. 

However, the board can only make it a misdemeanor.

Senator Rupp said he wants to take the legislation further.

Actuality:  SRUPP2.WAV
Run Time: 00:14
Description: If we are going to enact something, how can we draft it so that it is not just a warm fuzzy, that yeah we did something great that doesn't do anything, that it actually has teeth, that when a prosecutor has a case in a courtroom, they can use these tools to get a conviction if something like this were to happen in the future. 

Rupp said his proposed bill is not a final product, but a starting point to encourage conversation.

Still, Rupp said he hopes to pass the legislation in this next session.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Brandon Smith.

Intro: Responding to the suicide of an O'Fallon teen who was reportedly bullied online, Republican State Senator Scott Rupp is sponsoring a bill making online bullying a crime.

Brandon Smith has more from Jefferson City. 

RunTime:0:34
OutCue: SOC

Rupp's bill takes its cue from an ordinance passed by the Dardenne Prairie Board. 

The ordinance makes online harassment a misdemeanor.

Rupp said he hopes to go further, but sees hurdles ahead.

 

Actuality:  SRUPP1.WAV
Run Time: 00:11
Description: 

How do you draft something that doesn't ensnare unwilling or unwitting individuals that didn't mean to harass someone online 'cause it's so broad, but it's not so specific that you can't get a conviction?


Rupp said his legislation is not a final product, but should generate conversation.

Still, Rupp said he hopes to pass the bill in the next session.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Brandon Smith.