Texas is said to be moving to keep Internet porn off public wireless Internet networks.
The state's House of Representatives is considering a bill that would ban "obscene materials on public property" including public-run Wi-Fi networks. "A state agency that provides wireless Internet access on state property may not allow access to obscene materials through the use of that wireless access," says the bill authored by Rep. Betty Brown (R-Kaufman).
The Brown bill, now being considered by the House State Affairs Committee, would exempt colleges and universities from the prohibition but would impose it upon inmates at state prisons.
Texas launched the first U.S. free public wireless Net access at highway rest areas in 2004, beginning at tandem areas on U.S. Route 287 in Donley County and along the same highway in Hardeman County, a program state officials have described as a "roaring success."
If the Brown bill passes and is signed it would take effect beginning in September.
