AL SB242

Creates the crime of cyber-bullying when a student uses a computer or computer network to intimidate or torment another student or school employee, including building fake profiles, posting private information, posting real or doctored images, unauthorized account access, repeated electronic communications, making false statements to provoke harassment, copying and disseminating data, signing someone up for pornographic sites, or signing someone up for unwanted mailing lists.

Establishes cyber-bullying as a Class C misdemeanor with possible restitution for expenses related to the offense.

Allows courts to defer prosecution without entering a guilt judgment if a student pleads guilty or is found guilty, and permits record expungement upon successful completion of probation terms.

Requires school employees to immediately report suspected cyber-bullying incidents to the principal and grants civil and criminal immunity to employees reporting cyber-bullying in good faith to law enforcement.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.