Stalking.
A person commits the crime of Stalking if, without lawful authority and under circumstances not amounting to a felony attempt of another crime, the person:
Stalking is a gross misdemeanor except under the following circumstances, in which case it is elevated to a class B felony ranked at seriousness level V:
Attempts to contact or follow a person after being given actual notice that the person does not want to be contacted or followed constitute prima facie evidence of the perpetrator's intent to intimidate or harass. "Contact" includes, in addition to any other form of contact or communication, the sending of an electronic communication. It is a defense to Stalking that the defendant is a licensed private investigator acting within that capacity.
Cyberstalking.
A person commits the crime of Cyberstalking if, without lawful authority and under circumstances not amounting to a felony attempt of another crime, the person knowingly and without consent installs or monitors an electronic tracking device with the intent to track the location of a victim or installs or causes an electronic tracking device to be installed, placed, or used with the intent to track the location of the victim, and:
Cyberstalking is a gross misdemeanor except under the following circumstances, in which case it is elevated to a class C felony without a specified seriousness level:
Cyberstalking does not include the installation, placement, or use of an electronic tracking device by an order of a state or federal court, or by any of the following:
An "electronic tracking device" is an electronic device that permits a person to remotely determine or monitor the position and movement of another person, vehicle, device, or other personal possession. "Electronic device" includes computer code or other digital instructions that, once installed on a device, allow a person to remotely track the position of that device.
Classification of Crimes.
Crimes are classified as misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or class A, B, or C felonies. While there are exceptions, the classification of a crime generally determines the maximum term of confinement and fine for an offense. For each classification, the maximum terms of confinement and maximum fines are as follows:
Classification | Maximum Confinement | Maximum Fine |
Misdemeanor | 90 days | $1,000 |
Gross Misdemeanor | 364 days | $5,000 |
Class C Felony | 5 years | $10,000 |
Class B Felony | 10 years | $20,000 |
Class A Felony | Life | $50,000 |
For most felony offenses, the Sentencing Reform Act determines a specific sentence range within the statutory maximum according to a sentencing grid. The sentencing grid provides a standard range of months for the sentence, based on both the severity, or "seriousness level," of the offense and the convicted person's "offender score," which is based on the person's criminal history.
The scope of conduct that constitutes the crime of Stalking and certain conditions and exceptions related to Stalking are modified.
A person commits the crime of Stalking if, without lawful authority and under circumstances not amounting to a felony attempt of another crime:
"Actual notice" includes, in addition to any other form of actual notice, circumstances in which the victim has a protective order in effect protecting the victim from the person. The lack of intent to frighten, intimidate, or harass the victim or place the victim in emotional distress and the lack of actual notice from the victim do not constitute defenses to Stalking.
Stalking does not include the installation, placement, or use of an electronic tracking device by an order of a state or federal court, or by any of the following:
The provision related to the crime of Cyberstalking is repealed.
(In support) There is a tendency to picture stalking as being perpetrated by a stranger, but the most pervasive and dangerous form of stalking is done by an intimate partner. Stalking behavior commonly begins or intensifies when someone tries to leave a relationship, and perpetrators are overwhelmingly male. The terror generated by stalking is uniquely associated with high levels of fear, lengthy periods of fear, and significant mental health impacts. Stalking is also unique from other crimes because it involves a course of conduct that happens repeatedly, rather than a single incident. Stalking can happen late at night, or in the middle of the day during a work meeting. No place is safe or out of reach. This leads to an incredible feeling of hopelessness and helplessness. Physical and technological stalking are equally predictive of future violent actions, including increased rates of homicide.
Scholarly literature indicates that law enforcement may downplay the effects of stalking, and the current statutory framework requires prosecutors to feel confident in their ability to prove all elements of the crime. Most stalkers do not make overt threats of physical violence. Instead, they tailor their tactics to specifically target their victims. Current laws do not account for this degree of nuance, which makes it difficult to prove that a victim's fear is reasonable. This bill expands the conduct that constitutes stalking, specifically by including conduct that causes either emotional distress or fear of harm. Bolstering and clarifying these laws will help stop harassment and violence.
(Opposed) None.