Bill > H5655

This bill amends Rhode Island's stalking laws to create a new misdemeanor offense of "video harassment" by expanding the definition of harassment to explicitly include repeatedly following someone and using an electronic device to record their movements in public or private places. Specifically, the bill adds a new subsection to the existing stalking statute that makes it a criminal offense punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, for someone to engage in a course of conduct that involves following and electronically recording another person's movements without a legitimate purpose. The bill builds upon existing legal definitions of harassment, which require a knowing and willful pattern of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to feel seriously alarmed, annoyed, or tormenting. By creating this specific provision, the legislation aims to provide legal recourse for individuals who experience invasive and potentially threatening surveillance-like behavior that may not have been clearly prohibited under previous law. The new provision will take effect immediately upon passage.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/