The Senate Judiciary Committee this week heard critical legislation authored by Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) that focuses on protecting kids from malicious acts surrounding blackmail and “sextortion.” 

The bill reflects work done in response to the tragic circumstances of 16-year-old Carter Bremseth who committed suicide in 2021 after someone online threatened to share his personal information. The legislation would enhance criminal penalties for those committing these crimes against children and would create a public awareness campaign aimed at elementary, middle, and secondary school children.

“In a world that is run by technology, and that allows people to talk to anyone from anywhere in the world at any time, how do we keep our kids as safe as possible? This bill takes an important step in protecting kids and holding those accountable that seek to harm our children in awful ways,” said Lang. “This has to be something we approach on multiple fronts. Oftentimes, we think our kids are safe because they’re at home, but many adults can’t relate to what is happening on our kids’ phones at any time. This bill would not only hold individuals accountable for actions that result in the harm of our kids, but would create a public awareness campaign that gives parents and children the tools to combat these heinous crimes. In Carter’s honor, we need to take this serious step in doing what we can to keep our kids safe in digital spaces.”

The bill has bipartisan support and was laid on the table.