Ohio lawmakers don't want teens convicted of 'sexting' labeled sex offenders

COLUMBUS — Two Ohio lawmakers want to make sure teens accused of "sexting" -- sending sexually-explicit photos of themselves via cell phones or the Internet -- are not labeled felons and sex offenders.

Companion bills introduced by Rep. Ron Maag of Salem Township and Sen. Bob Schuler of Sycamore Township, both Republicans, would make sending, receiving and viewing electronically transmitted nude pictures of juveniles by juveniles a misdemeanor. The same acts would still be a felony for adults.

At a press conference Monday, the lawmakers said that the bills would clarify Ohio laws and the discussion will educate families about sexting.

They were supported by the parents of a Cincinnati-area teen who committed suicide last year after a nude picture she sent to her boyfriend's cell phone was spread around school.