SC lawmakers OKs anti-sexting bill

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A legislative panel has approved a bill that would ban teens from sexting in South Carolina.

A House subcommittee on Wednesday offered little debate before approving legislation to make it illegal for juveniles ages 12 through 17 to knowingly transmit sexually explicit photos.

Offenders would face up to a $100 fine. Currently, a minor could be prosecuted for a felony crime for disseminating sexually explicit photos.

Rep. Joan Brady originally introduced the bill last year. Brady says she hopes the bill will teach responsibility without criminalizing teens.

The Columbia Republican also said she hoped the bill would educate parents to the problem and help teens understand the negative emotional repercussions of messages that can sometimes constitute cyber bullying.