New Jersey Lawmaker Wants To Apply Megan's Law Online

04:44

July 11, 2012

Maureen Kanka is reflected in a file photo of her daughter, Megan, at her home in Hamilton Township, N.J. A state lawmaker is seeking to have convicted criminals identify themselves on social networking sites under Megan's Law. (AP)

State Senator Christopher Bateman wants sex offenders in New Jersey to be required to disclose their convictions in their personal profiles on social networking sites or be fined or imprisoned.

The proposal mirrors restrictions that Louisiana recently adopted, but it doesn't go as far as Indiana, which faces a legal challenge over its law that bans convicted sex offenders from social networking sites. The proposal in New Jersey would essentially apply Megan's Law online. That law, named after a New Jersey girl killed in 1994 by a repeat sex offender in her neighborhood, requires sex offenders to register with police and for authorities to notify neighbors when a sex offender moves in to a community. It has been adopted by all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Guest:

Matt Friedman, state house reporter for the Newark Star Ledger

This segment aired on July 11, 2012.