This bill aims to enhance the penalties for cyber-harassment directed at public servants and their family members by reclassifying such offenses as a third-degree crime. Under current law, cyber-harassment is generally classified as a fourth-degree crime, unless the offender is 21 years or older and impersonates a minor to harass another minor. The proposed changes include new provisions that define "public servant" broadly and allow for the inference of intent to harass when actions are directed towards any public servant, thereby expanding the scope of protection against cyber-harassment.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Office of Cyber-Harassment Support within the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance in the Department of Law and Public Safety. This office will focus on promoting education and awareness about cyber-harassment, assisting victims, and implementing initiatives to prevent such harassment, particularly against public servants and their families. The office will engage with various stakeholders, create accessible reporting systems, and provide educational programs, among other responsibilities. The bill also includes an appropriation from the General Fund to support the implementation of these initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:33-4.1