STATEHOUSE (Feb. 19, 2013) — The Senate this week approved two bills authored by State Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) to protect Hoosier children.

Senate Bill 347 would make it illegal for certain sex offenders whose victims were children to communicate with a minor using a social networking site. It also would increase the penalty for child solicitation to a Class B felony if the person solicits a child online and then travels to meet him or her, or if the person is a repeat offender for child solicitation.

“Communication is changing, and more young people are using the Internet to interact with their friends,” Head said. “Because of that, people who intend to harm children are increasingly using social networking to find potential victims and talk to them. Ultimately, this legislation will help keep our kids safe, both on and offline.”

Head’s second bill approved today – Senate Bill 572 – would transfer authority over local child fatality review teams to the Indiana State Department of Health and create a statewide child fatality review coordinator to help these local teams perform their duties effectively.

“Child fatality review teams are a key part of our child protection system and to reviewing the system’s overall performance,” Head said. “This legislation would establish local control, allowing trained professionals to immediately assess the county’s situation and take the necessary steps to protect its children. Individuals with a deeper understanding of the community could then play a direct role in implementing these steps and improving regional child protection.”

Both bills now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.