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 (AP) - Attorney General-elect Lori Swanson called
Thursday for an update of Minnesota's criminal laws so prosecutors
can root out more Internet offenses.

      Swanson released a package of proposals, ranging from a new
felony for adults who sexually engage minors online to a
requirement that school districts have cyber-bullying policies.

      "We're updating 20th century laws, which don't always fit the
crimes of today," Swanson said.

      Swanson, a Democrat who takes over the office next week, said
state laws haven't kept pace with criminal conducted using
computers.

      She recommended changing the law so prosecutors can go after
adults who communicate in a sexually explicit fashion with minors
over the Internet. She said current law requires proof that the
minor was solicited or the adult charged money for the explicit
content.

      It was prompted in part by the scandal involving former Florida
U.S. Rep. Mark Foley. He is accused of sending salacious material
to young male pages. His actions might not have been illegal in
Minnesota.

      The cyber-bullying measure would be an add-on to a 2005 law that
required school districts to adopt broad bullying policies. The
change would include text messages, Internet postings or other
electronic harassment.

      Another initiative would make it a felony to steal a computer,
regardless of the value. Current law sets the felony theft
threshold at items above $500, but Swanson said information on the
computer can be a goldmine for thieves.

      Rep. Joe Mullery, DFL-Minneapolis, said the proposals will get a
hearing from the House Public Safety and Civil Justice Committee,
which he leads.

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Attorney General-elect Lori Swanson has released a package of proposals, ranging from a new
felony for adults who sexually engage minors online to a requirement that school districts have cyber-bullying policies.


Swanson proposes updates to Internet crime laws

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