A Missouri judge has blocked a law restricting Internet communications between teachers and students from taking effect Sunday.

Governor Jay Nixon says he will ask the General Assembly to repeal parts of the law in the upcoming special session.

Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem issued a preliminary injunction, calling the law a “staggering” prohibition of free speech rights.

The judge’s order puts the law on hold until a hearing can be scheduled on whether the law should be permanently block. That won’t happen until at least February.

The state law bans private communication among teachers and students on Web sites that give “exclusive access” to current or former minor-age students.

Governor Jay Nixon on Friday announced that he will ask the General Assembly to repeal specific provisions included in Senate Bill 54, which was passed unanimously by both the House of Representatives and the Senate earlier this year. In addition, the governor will seek input from various stakeholders, including parents and classroom teachers.

“First and foremost, our top concern and priority is and always will be protecting children across Missouri, and making sure students receive the quality education they need and deserve,” Gov. Nixon said in a news release.

“In a digital world, we must recognize that social media can be an important tool for teaching and learning. At the same time, we must be vigilant about threats posed to students through the Internet and other means. Because of confusion and concern among educators, students and families over this specific provision of Senate Bill 54, I will ask the General Assembly to repeal that particular section, while preserving other vital protections included in the bill.”

Specifically, Gov. Nixon will ask the General Assembly to repeal statute 162.069, sections one through four, which require school districts to adopt a policy on student-teacher communications and which specifically addresses electronic communications between school employees and students.

Under the state constitution, the Governor can add an item to the call for a special session by issuing a proclamation once the session has convened.

Senate Bill 54, known as the Amy Hestir Student Protection Act, includes a number of additional provisions that protect students from sexual misconduct which will not be included in this addition to the special session call.