News Release - Attorney General McCollum Applauds Lawmakers for Passage of Exploited Children’s Rights Act

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Attorney General Bill McCollum News Release

April 28, 2008

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Media Contact: Sandi Copes
Phone: (850) 245-0150

Attorney General McCollum Applauds Lawmakers for Passage of Exploited Children’s Rights Act

~ Landmark legislation will give child pornography victims voice in court; right to seek civil damages ~

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today applauded members of the Florida Legislature for passing the Exploited Children’s Rights Act of 2008, which will entitle victims of Florida-based child pornography to seek no less than $150,000 per incident from individuals who download and/or distribute images of the child’s sexual abuse. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Paula Dockery (R-Lakeland) as Senate Bill 1442 and Representative David Rivera (R-Miami) as House Bill 605.

“I am extremely grateful to our legislative sponsors and all the members of the Legislature who recognize this crime for what it truly is – the most horrific form of sexual abuse of our children,” said Attorney General McCollum. “Once signed, this groundbreaking legislation will make Florida the first state in the nation to provide these children rights as victims of a crime in state courts, and we encourage the rest of the country to swiftly follow our lead.”

Similar to an established Federal law, the Exploited Children’s Rights Act will also provide victims of child pornography a voice in state court proceedings against perpetrators. The legislation passed both chambers today. More information is available online at: http://myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/224531D54E6EB873852573F400567E2B.