INDIANAPOLIS | State lawmakers want to know more about sexting before trying to regulate it.
The Indiana House voted 95-0 Wednesday to study the legal issues involved when teenagers send sexually explicit photos or messages using cellular phones.
Because many sexters are younger than 18, some teenagers taking and sending photos of themselves have been charged with creating child pornography and face long prison sentences and the requirement to register as a sex offender.
State Rep. Linda Lawson, D-Hammond, proposed regulations on sexting this legislative session, but she said Wednesday that the more lawmakers looked into the issue "the more convoluted and crazy" it became.
By taking time to study the issue thoroughly over the summer, lawmakers will be able to craft legislation that satisfies schools, parents and prosecutors, Lawson said.
Senate Bill 224, which authorizes the sexting study committee, is on its way to the governor for his signature.
