All schools in Hays and across the state of Kansas are a step closer to being required to install software to block Internet pornography. The Kansas House Education

committee passed a measure with the requirements on Friday.  It would also require the Hays Public Library and all public libraries in Kansas to install the software.

Phillip Cosby is promoting the measure. He is the state director of the American Family Association of Kansas and Missouri. Cosby told Hays Post, “Friday’s action was encouraging. I think that the unanimous votes in the Senate and in the Education Committee show that everyone is now in agreement that the threat of pornography is real and action needs to be taken.” 

The measure, Senate Bill 104, originally included only public schools, but Rep. Annie Tietze, D-Topeka, tacked on an amendment Friday that extended it to accredited private schools as well.The Hays Public Library patrons currently have access to Internet filters by request.