CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- Beginning July 1, registered sex offenders in Tennessee must tell authorities any e-mail, user name or instant messaging screen name they use.

Rep. Doug Overbey of Maryville sponsored the bill and he said it will make use of the Internet safer for children.

The Republican lawmaker said with e-mail and screen names added to the sex offender registry, parents can more easily determine who their children are communicating with online.

Sen. Jamie Woodson of Knoxville sponsored the bill in the upper chamber. She said some offenders are barred from using the Internet for some uses and the statute lets authorities see if they violate parole terms.

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