SPONSOR: Roberts (161)
This bill amends the definition of "stalking" as it is used in Chapter 455, RSMo. Currently, "stalking" is defined as purposely engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm to another person, or a person who resides together in the same household with the person seeking the order of protection when it is reasonable in that person's situation have been alarmed by the conduct. This bill amendsthe definition to purposely engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person while knowing that the course of conduct would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of a third person or suffer other emotional distress.
The bill amends the definition of "course of conduct" within the definition of "stalking" to mean two or more acts including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through a third party follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person by any action, method, device, or means or the stalker interferes with a person's property.
This bill adds a definition of "emotional distress" within the definition of "stalking" to mean significant mental suffering or distress that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.
Statutes affected: