PHOENIX (AP) — An Arizona Senate committee has approved a bill that would criminalize so-called 'sexting' among minors.
The measure would make it a misdemeanor for minors to send sexually explicit photos or videos of themselves or others. It would also make it a crime for young people to keep such photos if they receive them.
Paul Ahler of the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council says the bill would make it easier for prosecutors to discourage sexting without charging them with child-pornography offenses.
Ahler says prosecutors could use the proposed sexting law to send young people to diversion programs or juvenile courts.
The Senate Public Safety and Human Services committee voted 5-0 on Wednesday to send the measure to the full Senate.
