Senator Jacobs Sponsors SB329 to Increase Penalties on Possession of Child Pornography

February 1, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Chris Meekins
410-841-3158

Senator Jacobs Sponsors SB329 to Increase Penalties on Possession of Child Pornography

As part of Senator Nancy Jacobs’ continuing commitment to protecting children, Senator Jacobs has sponsored SB329 to increase the penalties for possession of child pornography.

Senator Jacobs’ bill increases possession of child pornography from a misdemeanor to a felony. The bill also doubles the current fines and jail time.

Maryland is only one of six states nationally where possession of child pornography is not a felony.

Senator Jacobs released the following statements concerning her bill:

“People who possess child pornography provide a market for those individuals who actually take sexually explicit pictures and videos of children.

“The people who prey on our young children deserve to be punished harshly. Increasing the penalty from a misdemeanor to a felony shows the commitment our state has for protecting the most innocent in our society.

“Allowing possession of child pornography to be only a misdemeanor is like a slap on the wrist. Possession of child pornography is a serious issue in our society and does incredible harm to the victims. This must be felony in the state of Maryland.”

SB329 is just one piece of Senator Jacobs’ legislative package to help protect our children.

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