Bill > HB58

This bill updates existing law to broaden the definition of criminal communication to include electronic methods beyond just telephone calls. Specifically, it amends the crime of using a telephone to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy, or offend to now encompass "electronic communication," which is defined to include telephone calls (wireline, cable, wireless, or cellular), social media posts, text messages, instant messages, and electronic mail. The bill clarifies that this applies to contacting another person via electronic communication with the intent to use obscene, lewd, or profane language, suggest lewd or criminal acts, threaten injury or harm, attempt to extort money, disturb peace or privacy through repeated anonymous communications, or maliciously make a communication to annoy or disturb someone or disrupt telecommunications. The bill also defines "social media" as a website or internet medium that allows registered users to create accounts, generate and share content, and interact with content from other users. Penalties for violating this section remain the same, with a misdemeanor for a first offense and a fourth-degree felony for subsequent offenses or if the person has prior convictions for similar offenses in other jurisdictions.

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https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=58&year=26