R011-9899

10			        RESOLUTION CONCERNING
20                              THE CHILD ONLINE PROTECTION ACT

30 	WHEREAS:  	The United States Congress passed the Omnibus Appropriations 
40			Bill and subsequently President Clinton signed the legislation; and, 

50 	WHEREAS:	This bill contained the Child Online Protection Act; and,

60 	WHEREAS:  	The Child Online Protection Act  during the debate period was
70    			given a warning by the Justice Department (that now has to defend
80               	it) that the bill would be challenged because it was vague and could
90               	hinder adult access to constitutionally protected speech; and,

100 	WHEREAS:  	This act for example would have affected the posting of recent
110                 	material (Starr Report) sent to the United States House and that the 
120               	House approved for posting on the Internet and release to the public;
130                  	and,

140      WHEREAS:  	The Communications Decency Act a similar measure was found 
150                 	unconstitutional by the courts for violations of free speech; and,	

160    THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:  The Maryland Student Legislature 
170                 	supports the idea that the Child Online Protection Act is indeed 
180                 	unconstitutional and should be struck down.

190     MANDATES:
200			President, William J. Clinton
210			Attorney General Janet Reno
220			American Civil Liberties Union Foundation
230                    	Electronic Privacy Information Center
240                   	Electronic Frontier Foundation
250                 	Latham & Watkins
260 			ACLU of Pennsylvania
270			House Speaker, Newt Gingrich

Primary Sponsor:
Douglas Testerman
142 Hopkins Road
Havre de Grace, Maryland 21078
djtesterman@erols.com