Braden's Law, named after an Ohio teen who died by suicide after being extorted online, will make sextortion a criminal offense in the state.
Legislation known as Braden's Law is set to become law in Ohio after the state Senate and House unanimously approved House Bill 531. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Beth Lear (R-Galena) and Brian Lorenz (R-Powell), will now head to the governor for signing. Named after Braden Markus, an Olentangy High School student who tragically took his own life after being coerced into sharing inappropriate photos online, the bill aims to create the criminal offense of sextortion.
Markus was extorted for $1,800 with threats to release the photos on social media.Family of Ohio teen sextortion victim determined to get bill through the statehouse 'My constituents are like family to me,' said Lorenz. 'When I legislate, I approach it as if I’m making decisions for my own family. Braden’s Law is no different. My goal is to ensure what happened to Braden never happens to another Ohio family. I’m proud of the solid legislation we crafted, and I am honored my colleagues in both chambers saw the importance of this bill. I will continue to stand with the Marcus family and fight for Braden’s legacy.' The new offense of sextortion will apply to anyone who threatens to release, exhibit, or distribute private images of another for financial gain. The penalty for this crime starts as a third-degree felony, escalating to a first-degree felony if the victim is a minor, elderly, or disabled. The law also covers coercion into performing acts against one's will, committing offenses, or obtaining additional private images or anything of value. Braden's Law will also require courts to expedite requests for digital access to a deceased minor's device made by a parent or guardian. It absolves cell phone carriers of liability, enabling them to cooperate promptly with victims' families. 'House Bill 531 represents a critical step forward in our efforts to combat sextortion and protect our citizens, especially the most vulnerable,' said Lear. 'I appreciate my colleagues for passing Braden’s Law
Sextortion Braden's Law Ohio Legislature Cyberbullying
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ohio Politician Proposes Law Making it Illegal to Plant a Flag at Midfield at Ohio StateAn Ohio republican wants to make it a felony to plant a flag on the Ohio State logo at midfield in Ohio Stadium.
Read more »
Two Ohio State prospects named finalists for Ohio Mr. Football: Buckeye BreakfastSome Ohio Mr. Football finalists are headed to Ohio State soon.
Read more »
Kelce Brothers Criticize Ohio Lawmaker's Bill to Outlaw Flag Planting at Ohio State StadiumOhio state Rep. Josh Williams introduced the O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act after the brawl following Michigan's win over Ohio State. The bill would prohibit flag planting on the Ohio State football field during games. Travis and Jason Kelce expressed their disapproval, calling it 'soft' and questioning its necessity.
Read more »
Fifty Ohio State Athletes, Including 13 Football Players, Earn Degrees at Ohio State’s Autumn CommencementFifty Ohio State athletes, including 13 football players, are earning their degrees from the university at its autumn commencement on Sunday.
Read more »
Ohio Lawmaker Wants to Make Flag-Planting a Felony Offense Following Michigan-Ohio State BrawlSource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
Ohio Department of Children & Youth and Ohio State receive grant to study child careA state agency and an Ohio State University research center have received a $2 million grant to study child care quality as part of a federal initiative.
Read more »