A proposed anti-bullying law in a California city might leave kids as young as 5 with a criminal record, FoxNews.com reported.
City council members in Carson unanimously voted this week to approve the law, which would amend their Municipal Code. According to The Daily Breeze, the law would go into effect on June 20 if it passes on May 12.
The legislation is aimed at punishing those who cause anyone in kindergarten to age 25 to feel terrorized, harassed, or threatened with no purpose, FoxNews.com said. The bill also covers cyberbullying.
First-time offenders would be fined $100, second-time offenders would be fined $200, and a third offense could bring a misdemeanor charge. Additionally, adults charged with bullying could receive jail time.
Councilman Mike Gipson, who introduced the bill, told The Daily Breeze he wants to see a "bully-free city" and was inspired to do something after a bullied teen in a neighboring town committed suicide.
"This is a very serious issue that we face not only in the state of California but throughout the United States," he said.
Gipson also defended the conditions of the law, which some council members were initially concerned about.
"I know that people don't want to hear the word misdemeanor, and I also know that something needs to happen relating to kids preying on other children," he told The Daily Breeze. "That's not right. If a child is bullying someone and a parent has to pay a $100 fine as a result of that, a responsible parent will realize their child needs some help."
Councilwoman Lula Davis-Holmes told the local newspaper she only agreed to the proposed bill after the infractions were reduced to two fines before charges.
However, it is unclear how authorities would enforce the law, The AP said.
"A fitness hearing would be required to try a child as a criminal," said Lt. Arthur Escamillas. "But if you see a 4-year-old riding a bike down the street without a helmet, are you going to give a 4-year-old a ticket? It's discretionary."
Carson, located in Los Angeles County, has a population around 93,000.
