Louisiana House backs 15-cent charge on Internet access

A 15-cent monthly surcharge should be levied on Internet access across Louisiana to fight online criminal activity, the House voted 81-9 Thursday, over the opposition of Gov Bobby Jindal (R). Rep Mack "Bodi" White (R-Denham Springs) said he sponsored the bill for Attorney General Buddy Caldwell, to raise money to finance a division in Caldwell's office that investigates Internet crimes, particularly online sex crimes against children. The measure would raise $2.4 million a year for Caldwell's department, according to a financial analysis. While White called it a usage fee, opponents called the charge a tax on Internet access. They also have questioned whether it would violate a federal law that prohibits states from taxing Internet services and would be challenged in court.