Governor Rick Perry of Texas signed legislation this week that requires registered sex offenders to provide their internet identifiers and cell phone numbers to the state sex offender registry in an effort to remove such offenders from online social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.

Senate Bill 689, sponsored by State Senator Florence Shapiro, follows in the footsteps of a dozen other states that require the registration of electronic addresses.

Sen. Shapiro is no stranger when it comes to protecting children.  Dating back to the passage of Ashley’s Law in 1995—named in honor of seven-year-old Ashley Estell who was molested and strangled by a repeat sex offender, the law requires longer prison terms and public registration for sex offenders—Senator Shapiro has worked to increase the awareness of child safety in the real world and a virtual one. 

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Child safety advocates are rightfully commending Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, Sen. Shapiro and Rep. Aaron Pena for their combined efforts in increasing online safety for Texas’ families and sending a clear message to sex offenders that they’re not welcome on social networking sites, or anywhere near our children.  SCP is proud to add to those much-deserved accolades and lend our support to keeping kids safe in Texas and nationwide.