Suit tests computer searches

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State law allows unlimited access to sex offenders' online activity.

INDIANAPOLIS — A state legislator says he is confident that a state law that would allow police to search the computers of sex offenders long after their sentences end will withstand a legal challenge.

Sen. John Waterman, R-Shelburn, said Wednesday that the bill was another way to protect children from sexual predators, in this case those who seek out victims through the Internet.

“There are millions of children who go on those (Internet) chat rooms,” he said. “It's a huge problem in protecting our youth, and we should take any steps needed.”

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The Indiana Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed a federal lawsuit last week in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis challenging the constitutionality of the law.

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