The bill amends Chapter 11-59 of the General Laws, which pertains to stalking. It introduces new definitions and clarifications to the existing law. The term "harasses" is now defined in relation to different sections of the law, with a specific addition that addresses the use of electronic devices to record someone's movements without a legitimate purpose. This new definition is intended to address what is commonly referred to as "video harassment."
The bill also establishes the crime of video harassment as a separate offense. Under the new provision, anyone who follows someone and uses an electronic device to record their movements in any public or private place, without a legitimate purpose, is committing video harassment. This offense is classified as a misdemeanor and is punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year, a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both. The bill specifies that stalking remains a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.