Politics & Government

Michigan Representatives Want iPads, Handheld Devices Added to Internet Crime Safety Law

State Rep. Mark Ouimet says cell phones and other hand-held Internet devices can potentially be used for stalking or assaulting children.

As technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, the Michigan House of Representatives today unanimously voted to define smartphones, iPads and other handheld devices as computers to better protect Michigan residents from serious Internet-related crimes.

The state's current law prohibits the use of computers or the Internet to commit crimes such as sexual assault, kidnapping, bomb threats, stalking and sex-related crimes involving minors.

"Today's huge technology changes have essentially given us a desktop computer that fits in the palm of our hand, and we must update our laws to better protect Michigan residents and children," said Rep. Mark Ouimet, R-Scio Township.

Find out what's happening in Dexterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

House Bill 5284 updates the law to define handheld devices as "computers."

"Wireless technology has quickly changed our way of life, and unfortunately there are people who will use these advances for criminal acts," Ouimet said.

Find out what's happening in Dexterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Because newer technology such as smartphones, are not specifically mentioned in the statutory definition of "computer," some prosecutors bring in experts to testify at trial that the devices actually are computers in order to secure a prosecution, Ouimet said.

"Relying on expert testimony can increase costs to Michigan taxpayers and potentially allow a criminal to go free if the expert doesn't show up in court for whatever reason," he said. "Protecting the public, and especially our children, is a basic responsibility of government. We took a positive step to ensure the public's safety when it comes to Internet-related crimes."

HB 5284 now goes to the Senate for consideration.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here