(AP) — A 15-cent monthly surcharge should be levied on Internet access across Louisiana to fight online criminal activity, the House voted 81-9 Thursday, over the opposition of Gov. Bobby Jindal.
Rep. Mack “Bodi” White, R-Denham Springs, said he sponsored the bill for Attorney General Buddy Caldwell, to raise money to finance a division in Caldwell’s office that investigates Internet crimes, particularly online sex crimes against children.
The measure would raise $2.4 million a year for Caldwell’s department, according to a financial analysis.
“I don’t think that 15 cents per month is too much to ask for our children’s protection,” said Rep. Simone Champagne, D-Jeanerette.
While White called it a usage fee, opponents called the charge a tax on Internet access. They also have questioned whether it would violate a federal law that prohibits states from taxing Internet services and would be challenged in court.
“Today it’s Internet access. Tomorrow, what’s it going to be? A subscription to DirecTV?” said Rep. Austin Badon, D-New Orleans.
“I don’t think we should start instituting a revenue stream for every criminal element that’s out there,” he added.
The bill heads next to the Senate for debate.
The charge on Internet access would begin in 2010, charged to users on their monthly bill. Public libraries and public schools would be exempt. The dollars would flow into an “Internet Crimes Investigation Fund” for Caldwell’s office to investigate online sex crimes, online child pornography and Internet fraud schemes.
But all the conversation on the House floor centered on sex crimes against children.
“As the anti-tax man, I can’t think of a better fee, tax that we can impose … I don’t know a better use for 15 cents,” said Rep. John Schroder, R-Covington.
Opponents said they wanted to protect Louisiana children, but questioned whether there were other ways to fund the online criminal investigations unit.
“Instead of taxing each and every person, are there alternative sources of funds?” asked Rep. Neil Abramson, D-New Orleans.
The bill presented a conflict for Gov. Jindal, who has repeatedly pushed for tougher penalties against sex offenders but also has opposed any proposal that could be considered a tax increase.
“While we absolutely support cracking down on sex offenders that prey on our children, we’re opposed to raising taxes on the people of Louisiana,” Jindal press secretary Kyle Plotkin said in a statement Thursday.—-Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at [email protected]