Bill to close child porn loopholes gets final OK

Lawmakers have adopted legislation to tighten restrictions on Web-based child pornography.

House Bill 156 now goes to Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk. Rep. Jay Neal, R-LaFayette, said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation asked for the bill to close a loophole dealing with the advertisement online for minor children involved in the sex trade.

“There was a loophole that did not allow them to prosecute for that,” Neal said.

The bill also includes “Romeo and Juliet” language for teens who send naked photos of each other via text message, a practice known as “sexting.” Current law could make it a child pornography felony if two 16-year-olds in a consensual relationship sent each other naked photos. HB 156 would make it a misdemeanor.

About the Author

Aaron Gould Sheinin

Report: Election board member violated conduct code by going to Trump rally

A Georgia Inspector General's report found State Election Board Vice Chair Janice Johnston violated the board's code of conduct by attending a Donald Trump campaign rally.

Georgia investigators ramp up probe into First Liberty collapse

Witnesses are being called in Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's civil inquiry into the collapse of First Liberty Building & Loan.

OPINION

Red flags piling up for Georgia Republicans heading into 2026 midterms

The warnings are mounting for Georgia Republicans about the danger they'll face in the 2026 midterm elections if the party does not change course.

The Latest

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Report: Election board member violated conduct code by going to Trump rally

OPINION

Red flags piling up for Georgia Republicans heading into 2026 midterms

Warnock urges Congress to do more to combat America’s affordability crisis

Featured

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

DeKalb students raise fears about ICE raids; teachers told not to talk about it

The Sequoyah Middle School community asked DeKalb school officials to better support students who fear ICE.

Two-day effort helps free endangered right whale off Georgia coast

Georgia state officials helped disentangle a North American right whale, one of the most endangered whales on the planet.

Report: Election board member violated conduct code by going to Trump rally

A Georgia Inspector General's report found State Election Board Vice Chair Janice Johnston violated the board's code of conduct by attending a Donald Trump campaign rally.