In a move to almost guarantee a challenge in the courts Sen. Mike Green of Raleigh County, West Virginia, introduced a bill that would see sending harassing e-mails or other computer based communications a crime. The bill was amended by the Senate Judiciary Committee to include statements posted on web pages or online forums.

So in other words – if the bill passes – you had better start watching what you say; if you live in West Virginia that is, on Facebook or any of the other social media service. After all harassment is something that can be read as many different things. The State bill says though that harassment (bullying) is the posting of untrue statements and encouraging others to spread the lies.

Civil liberties advocates question whether that goes too far.

The bill would make such statements a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both. Repeat offenders would see those penalties double.

Source: Associated Press

So no more posting that your boss is an idiot if you live in West Virginia because besides getting you fired you could end up in jail.