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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
TO ANALYZE THE ELECTRONIC DISSEMINATION OF INDECENT VISUAL DEPICTIONS OF MINORS
WHEREAS, technology continues to evolve at the speed of light, and is constantly providing us with new ways to communicate with each other; and
WHEREAS, children are becoming exposed to these technologies and other social media sites at earlier ages than ever before; and
WHEREAS, the evolving nature of technology and the younger age of its users has made these children more and more susceptible to exploitation by both adults and each other; and
WHEREAS, “sexting” is commonly known as the transmittal of sexually explicit messages primarily between mobile phones is prohibited, in some form, throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois’ statute on the matter states that a “minor shall not distribute or disseminate an indecent visual depiction of another minor through the use of a computer or electronic communication device” (705 ILCS 405/3-40(b)); and
WHEREAS, the penalty for such an act is a misdemeanor, usually requiring court supervision and counseling; and
WHEREAS, Cook County has a legitimate interest in the protection of the privacy and safety of its minor residents; and
WHEREAS, under the ‘home rule authority’ granted to Cook County by the constitution of the State of Illinois, the county may enact a stricter ordinance than exists under the state statute.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners will analyze and review the current Cook County ordinance and state laws regarding the electronic dissemination of indecent depictions of minors.
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