A Senate bill that would allow victims of child pornography to sue their offenders is being considered, and it’s being backed by the Attorney General.

The legislation is modeled after a new Florida law … the bill’s sponsor and backers say they’re looking for creative ways to create disincentives for people to view child pornography.

Attorney General Chris Koster says it’s too soon to say if it’s had an impact in that state, but he says it’s the first state to pass such legislation — in 2008 — that allows victims to sue their offenders for child pornography crimes.

Koster says the proposal would allow victims to break their offenders financially.

The measure would apply to victims who were 13 or younger when the crime occured. They could sue up to three years after turning 18 years old.

Senator Matt Bartle’s (R-Jackson Co.) bill that would allow victims of child pornography to sue their offenders for up to $150,000.

Koster says child pornography criminals come from all socio-economic sectors, and this bill would both hurt the criminal and help the victim.Koster and Bartle say it’s a double victory, aiding to deter would-be criminals, as well as allowing victims to gain financially from being exploited and harmed.

Bartle says if the legisalture can “create a financial disincentive while at the same time providing compensation to those who have been victims of child pornography, it accomplishes two goals.”

Jessica Machetta reports [Download / listen Mp3, 1:20]