(CHERRY HILL)—A day after legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden) to promote education over child pornography prosecutions in cases of teen “sexting” was signed into law, anti-“sexting” and anti-bullying advocates praised the measure. Assembly Bill 1561, now law, creates a diversionary program designed to educate teens on the dangers of “sexting” instead of automatically criminalizing the behavior.

“With advancing technology and smartphones bringing the world to kids’ fingertips, it’s important to educate teens who make a foolish decision, instead of labeling them as sex offenders and ruining their futures,” said Lampitt. “This law takes a common-sense approach and brings our laws into the 21st century.”

“Assemblywoman Lampitt’s law will help make sure that kids caught ‘sexting’ in New Jersey get the education they need, instead of being tagged as sex offenders,” said Allyson Pereira, an outspoken anti-“sexting” and anti-bullying advocate. “I’m proud to have worked with Assemblywoman Lampitt on this issue, and I hope this law becomes a model for states around the nation.”

NewJerseyNewsRoom.com
September 28, 2011
Tom Hester Sr.

“Sexting” for most children under age 18 will no longer be a crime in seven months but an issue that will be addressed through education, under a law signed by Acting Gov. Kim Guadagno.

The law (S-2700), would limit admission to the educational program to cases where the juvenile has not been previously convicted of sexually-related crimes; was not aware that his or her actions could constitute a crime and did not have the intent; the offense is related to a condition or situation that would be conducive to change through participation in the educational program, and the benefits to society in admitting the juvenile to the educational program outweigh the harm done to society by abandoning criminal prosecution.

The state attorney general, in consultation with the state courts, will develop the educational program. The program will include information regarding the legal consequences of “sexting”, the non-legal consequences, the long term impacts of engaging in the activity, and the possible connection between bullying and cyber-bullying and juveniles sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials.

The law will take effect the first day of the seventh month following enactment.

Measure Creates Alternative to Prosecution for Youth Sending Sexually Explicit Photos, Implement Educational Campaign Through Schools, Cell Phone Retailers

(TRENTON) – Juveniles caught sending sexually explicit photographs via their cell phones will face intensive education rather than criminal prosecution under a bill now signed into law and sponsored by Assemblywomen Pamela Lampitt, Celeste Riley and Valerie Vainieri Huttle.

The law (A-1561) aims to curtail a practice known popularly as “sexting,” a problem that has increasingly perplexed parents, school administrators and law enforcement officials because of ambiguities in child pornography laws.

“This takes a practical approach to a confounding problem, rather than slapping a one-size-fits-all punishment on teenagers whose motives may be entirely different than adults that face similar charges,” said Lampitt (D-Camden). “Teens shouldn’t necessarily be treated as criminals when they’re at that age where they don’t have a full understanding of the ramifications of their actions. Young people – especially teen girls – need to understand that sending inappropriate pictures is not only potentially illegal, but can leave an indelible mark on them socially and educationally. We need to create a path that places education and forgiveness before arrest and prosecution, and that’s what this law does.”

On September 8, 2011 from 11:00A.M. to 3:00 P.M., our offices will host a job fair with local employers for residents. Our Sixth Legislative District Job Fair will be held at the Cherry Hill Community Center, located at 820 Mercer Street, Cherry Hill, 08002, next to the municipal building.

Those interested in attending are asked to please register by calling (856) 435-1247 or emailing AsmGreenwald@njleg.org. Attendees are asked to bring sufficient copies of their resumes for prospective employers and to dress in appropriate professional attire. For more information or with questions, please call (856) 435-1247.

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Below is a list of the local employers expected to participate. Employers will be meeting with prospective employees for the duration of the event,11:00 A.M to 3:00 P.M. Please feel free to come at whatever time within those hours is most convenient for you.

Employers Participating in Sixth Legislative District Job Fair

Aflac

All-Metro Health Care

Atlantic City Electric

For Immediate Release
Contact: Senator Beach, (856) 429-1572
Assemblyman Greenwald & Assemblywoman Lampitt (856) 435-1247

Sixth District Legislators Bring Local Employers, Job-Seekers Together in Cherry Hill Event

(CHERRY HILL)—Today Senator James Beach, Assemblyman Louis Greenwald and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (all D-Camden), announced they will host a job fair for area residents. This event will bring together a diverse mix of local employers looking to hire, as well as helpful state services for unemployed individuals and struggling families.

The job fair will be held September 8, 2011 from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. in the Cherry Hill Community Center at 820 Mercer Street, Cherry Hill, 08002. For planning purposes, those wishing to attend are asked to register by calling (856) 435-1247, (856) 429-1572 or emailing AsmGreenwald@njleg.org .

“In these tough economic times, many New Jerseyans are struggling to find a job,” said Beach. “Our Sixth District job fair will feature a wide variety of employers looking to hire, as well as a number of state agencies that provide valuable assistance to families struggling to make ends meet.”

“With unemployment historically high, it is more important than ever that we bring local employers together with area residents looking for work,” said Greenwald. “We hope this event will bring some help to the middle-class families of the Sixth District who need it the most.”