House passes bill on cyber bullying

HARRISBURG — A bill creating the offense of cyber harassment of a child in Pennsylvania has the overwhelming approval of the state House of Representatives.

The bill passed Monday, 193-to-5, and goes to the Senate for consideration.

Under the bill, cyber harassment of a child would be a third-degree misdemeanor and a perpetrator under 18 would be under the jurisdiction of juvenile court.

The bill defines the crime as being committed with an intent to harass, annoy or alarm by using electronic social media to disparage the child’s health, characteristics, sexuality or sexual activity, or to threaten harm.

A third-degree misdemeanor allows for a maximum of one year in prison.

Fired open records czar criticizes firing

HARRISBURG — The state legislative aide who is trying to retain his appointment as the state’s open records czar said Monday the public won’t have confidence in the Office of Open Records if the governor can fire the executive director for any reason.

Erik Arneson told the Pennsylvania Press Club the office has ruled against the executive branch about 400 times in the last six years, so the threat of dismissal could turn the job into a rubber stamp for the administration.

“If the governor can fire the director at any time, the Office of Open Records will cease to exist,” said Arneson, who is suing Gov. Tom Wolf over his decision to fire Arneson.