TN Law To Protect Students From Digital Obscenity & Pornography To Go Into Effect For Fall Semester

TN Law To Protect Students From Digital Obscenity & Pornography To Go Into Effect For Fall Semester

TN Law To Protect Students From Digital Obscenity & Pornography To Go Into Effect For Fall Semester

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The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –

A new Act signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on May 5th, 2022 aims to protect students from being exposed to obscenity and pornography from digital and online resources in Tennessee schools.

House Bill 2454 (HB2454), sponsored by Representative Terri Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster-District 40), and companion Senate Bill 2292 (SB2292), sponsored by Senator Mike Bell (R-Riceville-District 9), redefines “obscene” to include material that has educational value; makes various changes to the internet acceptable use policy local education agencies (LEAs) are required to adopt; enacts requirements governing providers of digital and online resources; enacts and revises other related provisions. – Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17 and Title 49, Chapter 1.

While many schools have a system in place to help filter internet content, there are still databases and sites that will allow students to bypass those filters.

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The approved amendment that made the bill states that providers must verify, in writing, that their technology prevents a user from sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading materials that are harmful to minors.

If a provider is found to be in violation, they must remove access to offensive materials within one business day of receiving a LEA’s or state agencies’ request.

The law also allows for concerned individuals to file complaints with their respective LEAs or state agencies concerning any perceived violation of the new standards.  The LEA or state agency is then ordered to review any complaint and take action if deemed appropriate.

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The Tennessee House of Representatives voted on the bill on April 18th and it passed in a 74 to 17 vote in favor with only Democrats voting against.

Following that, the Tennessee Senate voted on April 21st and the bill passed with 23 in favor and 4 Democrats voting against.

The Act was signed into law by Governor Lee on May 5th, and was assigned Public Chapter 1002 by the Secretary of State.  

The new law is slated to go into effect on June 1st, 2022.

About the Author: Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative  ~ Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career.  Most recently, he served as Deputy Director for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others.  He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History.  Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com

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