Recast sex offender bill on way to Ind. Senate

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A legislative committee has sent a bill restricting sex offenders' use of social networking sites to the floor of the Indiana Senate.

The bill that cleared the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law on Tuesday rewrites a complete ban that was overturned by a federal court Jan. 23.

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago said the old law was too broad and violated freedom of speech.

Bill sponsor Sen. Randy Head says the proposal was rewritten to make it much narrower.

The amended version applies only to offenders convicted of child-related sex crimes who knowingly use social networks, instant messaging or chat rooms to communicate with children below age 16.

Violators could face a year or more in jail.