Alternative Filtering Bill Introduced
in Senate
On August 5, just before Congress adjourned for its August recess, Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) introduced the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act. Seen as an alternative to more restrictive legislation proposed by Sen. John McCain, the bill (S. 1545) would require schools and libraries receiving e-rate discounts “to install systems or implement policies for blocking or filtering Internet access to matter inappropriate for minors.” The bill, which would also require a study of available Internet blocking or filtering software, was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
That same day, Sen. McCain’s bill (S. 97), which would require the installation and use of filtering technology for e-rate eligibility, was reported out of the Senate Commerce Committee. Debate by the full Senate is expected when Congress returns in early September.
Posted August 23, 1999.
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