Gov. Signs Waldron's Bill Targeting Those Using Public Computers for Child Porn

Those convicted of child pornography-related offenses when those crimes take place on a government-owned computer or computer network, such as public libraries or colleges, will face an extra fine of as much as $2,000 now that Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill authored by Temecula's state assemblywoman.

Assembly Bill 20 by Assemblywoman Marie Waldron, R-Escondido, was signed into law Aug. 26 by the governor.

"Current law lacks a penalty for using government-owned property when viewing or producing material that depicts a person under 18 years of age engaging in or simulating sexual conduct," Waldron stated, in a news release.

"Internet child pornography is a malicious and growing problem in our society. Every effort must be taken to ensure that our children are protected from Internet predators.

"This is why I authored AB 20 which would create additional penalties for those convicted of child pornography-related offenses when those crimes take place on a government-owned computer or computer network."

As defined in the bill, "government-owned" includes property and networks owned or operated by state government, city government, city and county government, county government, a public library, or a public college or university.

Revenue from the fines will benefit sexual assault investigator training, human trafficking response task forces, multidisciplinary child-focused facilities, and groups that provide shelter, counseling or other direct services for victims of human trafficking, according to Waldron.

AB 20 was co-authored by Assemblymember Wilk and Senators Anderson, Block, Fuller and Knight. It passed the Senate and Assembly with unanimous support.