Friday, March 23, 2007
Kaine signs library bill
The legislation requires public libraries to block obscene material with Internet filters.
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From The Roanoke Times
RICHMOND -- Gov. Tim Kaine has signed legislation requiring public libraries to install Internet filters on their computers to block access to pornography and other obscene material.
The bills (HB 2197 and SB 1393) require libraries that receive state funds to install the filters, but allow adults to have the filters disabled for research or for other legitimate purposes. The bills passed both houses of the General Assembly with solid majorities, and Kaine announced his support of them on Thursday.
Fewer than half of the library systems in Virginia have the filters installed. Supporters of the legislation said the filters will protect children from viewing obscene material and keep others from using taxpayer-funded computers to distribute pornography or solicit children.
"Now parents, regardless of where they live in Virginia, will soon have the assurance that their children cannot be subjected to cyber-porn at their local, neighborhood library," said Senate Majority Leader Walter Stosch, R-Henrico County, who sponsored the Senate version of the bill.
Victoria Cobb, president of The Family Foundation of Virginia, said the legislation "brings our publicly funded libraries on board with other child protection measures already passed by the General Assembly." The Family Foundation has been pushing for such legislation since 2004.
"In a world where nearly every day we hear another story about a child being exploited by a sexual predator over the Internet, we need to do everything we can to protect kids," Cobb said in prepared statement.
Kaine also announced Thursday that he has signed legislation (HB 3064) requiring state colleges to develop policies for dealing with students who exhibit suicidal behavior. The bill also prohibits colleges from expelling students for attempting suicide or seeking treatment for suicidal behavior.
Some student affairs professionals worry that the bill impedes efforts to help suicidal students get treatment while not disrupting the lives of other students. The bill passed without opposition.
The governor has until midnight Monday to complete action on all bills passed during the 2007 General Assembly session. Lawmakers will return to Richmond on April 4 to act on bills that Kaine amends and vetoes.
Kaine met privately Thursday afternoon with Republican legislative leaders to discuss the multifaceted transportation funding bill lawmakers passed last month. The issue dominated the General Assembly session and could play heavily in legislative elections this fall.
The governor has publicly criticized the bill, partly because it relies on revenue from the state's general fund to retire debt on $2.5 billion in construction bonds. Kaine has said the proposal could jeopardize funding for other general fund programs such as education, health care and public safety.
Lawmakers and a Kaine spokesman described the talks as cordial and productive, but offered few specifics about changes the governor has in mind. Republican leaders said Kaine sought no commitments from them at the meeting.
