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Legislators in Jamaica have tentatively approved a bill that would crack down on the possession, production and distribution of child pornography. The government says the bill makes child pornography a separate crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison and more than $5,000 in fines. People linked to child pornography previously had to be prosecuted under other statues, such as carnal abuse. The bill, approved by the Senate on Friday, is needed to better protect children, according to a government statement issued Saturday. The House of Representatives is expected to debate the bill next week. Jamaica recently strengthened laws regarding other sexual offenses and created the island's first sex-offender registry. Further information