Rhode Island Senate Bill S2521

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/22
• Refer: 3/1/22

Caption

Children -- Obscene Material

Impact

The introduction of S2521 is designed to enhance child protection laws in Rhode Island by deterring sexual exploitation and making it clear that any obscene material involving minors will not be tolerated. By imposing severe penalties, the bill seeks to create a safer environment for children and to discourage individuals from engaging in or facilitating the distribution of such content. The law intends to align with broader efforts to safeguard minors against sexual exploitation and provide law enforcement with clearer tools to combat these offenses effectively.

Summary

S2521, introduced by Senator Jessica de la Cruz, aims to amend the Rhode Island General Laws regarding the prohibition of obscene materials involving minors. The bill specifically targets the production, distribution, and possession of visual depictions that portray minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. It establishes strict definitions for terms such as 'minor' and 'sexually explicit conduct', ensuring clarity in enforcement against those who exploit children through obscene materials. Violators of the law face significant penalties including fines and imprisonment, highlighting the bill's firm stance on child protection.

Contention

While S2521 is largely framed as a protective measure, it may also raise concerns regarding free expression and the implications for artistic works that could be misconstrued as obscene. Critics might argue that the definitions employed within the bill could potentially infringe upon legitimate artistic and educational content. As such, the balance between protecting children and preserving the rights to creative expression may be a point of discussion among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Ensuring that the law does not deter responsible expression while effectively targeting harmful material will likely be a contentious issue.