Archive for April 13th, 2009
S.637 Newspaper Revitalization Act
Posted by Ray Myers in Press & Media Facts on April 13th, 2009
Sen. Benjamin Cardin [D, MD] introduced a bill in late March, to allow newspapers to restructure as non-profit organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Federal tax code. This bill could be one way for declining newspapers to abandon their current, failing, for-profit model.
See the full text of the bill below.
H.R.1966 Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act
Posted by Ray Myers in Social Justice Facts on April 13th, 2009
This bill, named after the 13 year old Missouri girl who committed suicide after being harassed on the social networking site MySpace.com, is sponsored by Rep. Linda Sánchez [D, CA-39]. The intent of the bill is to make online harassment, known as cyberbullying, punishable under Chapter 41 of title 18 of the United States Code. The section dealing with threats and harassment.
Proponents of the bill say it will protect children and teens while online, where anonymity makes harassment easier.
Opponents contend that the bill would threaten free speech online and that sufficient criminal and civil penalties already exist for such behavior.
Read the full text of the bill behind the cut.