SEX OFFENDERS FACE BAN ON INTERNET PORN SITES

According to APBnews.com, officials are mulling a proposal, believed to be the first in the nation, that would restrict supervised sex offenders' access to the Web by requiring them to use an Internet service provider (ISP) that filters out pornographic and sexually oriented online sites.  The idea was proposed to ensure that sex offenders on probation do not visit adult-oriented sites.  The ban would also extend to chat rooms and Internet discussion areas called Usenet newsgroups.  Other jurisidictions have restricted sex offenders' access to computers, but the Bexar County proposal would be the first to suggest filters.  So, if officials have their way, the freewheeling Web-surfing days of sex offenders on probation in Bexar County may be coming to an end.