What's happening
This bill expands aggravated harassment in the second degree to include harassment via text, email, or other electronic communication.
Why it matters
Recognizes modern communication methods. By explicitly including texts, emails, and other electronic communications in the law, the bill acknowledges how harassment often occurs today, closing a loophole that could let offenders evade prosecution if they use digital means.
Potentially broadens legal protections. Victims of harassment will have clearer recourse if they are targeted through electronic channels, which are increasingly common in cases of stalking, bullying, or intimidation.
May impact how law enforcement and courts handle evidence. The bill’s language could require police and prosecutors to pay greater attention to digital evidence, such as saved messages or records of electronic contact, when building harassment cases.
Raises questions about free speech and intent. By criminalizing certain electronic communications made with intent to harass, the law may prompt debates about distinguishing between protected speech and illegal harassment, especially in online contexts.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Harassment by Electronic Messages
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Assembly Member · Assembly District 26
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to codes
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Ban Electronic Harassment
In Assembly Committee · Codes · Sponsor Liz Krueger
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
231
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. BRAUNSTEIN, SEAWRIGHT -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to including contacts via text, email or other electronic communication in the definition of the offense of aggravated harassment in the second degree
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 2 of section 240.30 of the penal law, as amended by chapter 188 of the laws of 2014, is amended to read as follows:
2. With intent to harass or threaten another person, he or she makes a telephone call, or contacts via text, email or other electronic communication, whether or not a conversation ensues, with no purpose of legitimate communication; or
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date upon which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made on or before such date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02677-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.