Students Can Be Expelled For Sexting Under New California Bill, SB 919

You might want to stop and think before sending those naked pictures of yourself to your paramour, especially if you're in California.

The California State Senate has passed a bill that makes "sexting" an expellable offense in the state. The bill, SB919, was passed unanimously this Tuesday. The bill will have to be approved in the Assembly and signed by Jerry Brown to enter into law.

According to SB919, sexting is defined as "sending or receiving sexually explicit pictures or video by means of an electronic act." California law lets school districts discipline students for their actions while on school property, coming and going from school, during lunch breaks, and when traveling to school-sponsored events.

The Associated Press reports that the bill's sponsor, Senator Ted Lieu, "says it's a growing problem in California schools. He cited a study saying one in five teens reported sending or posting nude or semi-nude pictures and videos of themselves."

Several states have attempted to crackdown on teen sexting. New Jersey, for example, has taken a different approach to sexting. The AP previously reported on a proposed bill under which "New Jersey teenagers caught texting or posting sexually explicit photos online could avoid prosecution under a measure that would give first-time offenders the chance to complete a diversionary program."