On
Thursday March 21, “Grits for Breakfast”
posted a commentary titled “Bills promote digital scarlet letters for drunks,
sex offenders”. They talk about two different bills proposed by Democrats,
which are on the Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee agenda today.
The
first bill, which is HB 23 would require sex offenders on social networking
sites to ensure information such as their full name, DOB, sex, race, height,
weight, eye color, hair color, home address and type of offense that was
committed is viewable by everyone. HB 133 would require the creation of a
searchable website for people that have been convicted on intoxication-related
offenses. After ten years of the conviction, the person’s full name, last known
address and recent photograph would be published.
The
bills intentions are on the right path, but I do agree with a point made by the
publisher of the commentary. They argued that the bills seem to be aiming more
towards publically shaming those who are convicted rather than actually keeping
the public safe. They also argue that there already are existing websites such
as sex-offender registries for those who really care.
The
outcomes of the bills may be positive but they may be counterproductive. Their
last argument was that applying this sort of digital shame might actually
promote further misconduct. If offenders get jobs and reintegrate into society,
they are less likely to commit new crimes. I believe the publisher’s arguments
were well thought out. It is basically a personal opinion leaning to one side
of the issue involved. It introduced the bills that were going to be commented
on and it made reasonable comments and opinions.
