Relates to requiring filtering software on computers in public libraries and schools to prevent minors from viewing indecent materials

10 Co-sponsors

• John J. Flanagan
• Joseph A. Griffo
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Kenneth P. LaValle
• Tom Libous
• George D. Maziarz
• Frank Padavan
• James L. Seward
• Dale M. Volker
• Catharine Young

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring filtering software on computers in public libraries and schools to prevent minors from viewing indecent materials

Purpose

To prevent minors, by requiring the installation of filtering software on school and library computers, from viewing inappropriate sexual images on the Internet.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 -- Requires school districts to purchase software, regardless of the cost, to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate sexual images on the Internet.

Section 2 -- Requires the Education Commissioner to require schools and libraries to install software to filter-out inappropriate Internet sexual content. Additionally, the Commissioner is required to establish a list of approved Internet filtering software.

Section 3 -- This section requires all libraries covered by section 253-A of the Education Law to install software on computers to filter-out Internet sexual content that would be inappropriate for minors.

Section 4 --This section requires all libraries receiving state aid to install software on computers to filter-out Internet sexual content that would be inappropriate for minors.

Section 5 -- Establishes the effective date of the act.

Justification

Throughout New York State, schools and libraries provide free Internet access to students, families, and other interested individuals. The Internet, as we all know, is a terrific tool for today's students.

Unfortunately, the Internet is also filled with inappropriate, sexually explicit, and obscene material that no minor should be able to view. In fact, some estimate that twenty percent of all web sites contain pornography.

Minors need to be protected from this material. This bill seeks to take the modest step of requiring school and library officials to install software that would prevent minors from accessing these images and web sites.

Legislative history

S.6516/A.10044 of 2005-2006 S.2298/A.4481 of 2007-2008

Fiscal implications

Undetermined.

Local fiscal implications

Undetermined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however that sections one, three and four of this act shall take effect on the one hundred fiftieth day after this act shall have become a law.