LINCOLN — State lawmakers gave 32-2 first-round approval Friday to an initiative from Attorney General Jon Bruning to allow minors sexually exploited by pornography to file civil lawsuits against those who create, distribute or possess them.
Under the Exploited Children’s Civil Remedy Act, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office could file such lawsuits on behalf of victimized children. A judge could award $150,000 or more in civil damages on top of any prison sentence being served.
Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh, the sponsor, said it would send a message to those who exploit kids that “you shouldn’t engage in this activity anywhere, and certainly not in Nebraska.”
Omaha Sen. Brenda Council said she supports punishing child pornographers but called Legislative Bill 728 unnecessary and redundant. Council said victims can already file such lawsuits through federal court, with the help of U.S. district attorneys.
“This is a ‘much ado about nothing’ bill,” she said. “We’re not granting any additional rights to recovery (of damages).”
Allowing the attorney general to intervene, she said, would increase taxpayer expenses.
Lautenbaugh disagreed, saying state attorneys could recover their legal fees through successful lawsuits. He also disagreed that having dual systems to file such civil suits was unnecessary.
Contact the writer:
402-473-9584, paul.hammel@owh.com
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