The Jefferson County Quorum Court is considering a new policy that would prohibit county employees and contractors from using county-owned equipment or resources to engage in unlawful cyber-harassment or cyberbullying.
The proposed ordinance, sponsored by Justice of the Peace Alfred Carroll, is titled the Jefferson County Unlawful Cyber-Harassment and Resource Protection Act. Under the proposal, employees or contractors found in violation would lose access to county-owned equipment and technology for 30 days.
Justice Carroll said the goal of the ordinance is to ensure county resources are used only for official business.
During committee discussion, Justice of the Peace Conley Byrd said he believes the proposed penalty is too lenient and suggested increasing the suspension period from 30 days to 60 days.
Arkansas law already classifies cyberbullying as a criminal offense. Several members of the Quorum Court said the proposed county ordinance would not replace or supersede state law but would establish an administrative policy governing the use of county equipment. The proposal also provides county employees with an opportunity to appeal any disciplinary action during the suspension period.
The full Jefferson County Quorum Court is expected to vote on the ordinance at its meeting next Monday evening.
