The bill amends section 12.1-17-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, which addresses harassment. It expands the definition of harassment to include new forms of communication that can cause distress, specifically by adding a provision that makes it an offense to communicate an individual's personal identifying information through writing, electronic communication, or by posting it on public internet sites or forums. Additionally, the bill clarifies that harassment can occur through electronic means and specifies that offenses committed via electronic communication can be prosecuted in either the location where the communication was made or received.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that harassment offenses related to threats or the disclosure of personal information are classified as class A misdemeanors, while other forms of harassment are classified as class B misdemeanors. It also introduces penalties for individuals who misuse emergency communication systems with the intent to annoy or harass, including liability for costs incurred by unnecessary emergency responses. Overall, the amendments aim to strengthen the legal framework surrounding harassment and adapt it to modern communication methods.

Statutes affected:
Adopted by the House Judiciary Committee: 12.1-17-07
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 12.1-17-07
Enrollment: 12.1-17-07