Connecticut Senate Bill SB00989

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/21
• Refer: 3/4/21
• Report Pass: 4/8/21
• Refer: 4/19/21
• Report Pass: 4/26/21
• Engrossed: 5/20/21
• Report Pass: 5/21/21
• Passed: 6/3/21
• Chaptered: 6/9/21
• Enrolled: 6/10/21
• Passed: 6/16/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Online Harassment.

Impact

If enacted, the changes proposed in SB00989 would significantly impact state laws regulating harassment and stalking. It raises the stakes for offenses committed via digital channels by categorizing them under serious criminal activities—specifically targeting acts that result in emotional distress or physical fear. By introducing civil action provisions for aggrieved individuals, the bill also opens avenues for victims to seek compensation and protection through the courts against offenders who disclose personally identifiable information without consent. These changes seek to bolster the legal framework protecting individuals from harassment and abuse in an increasingly online world.

Summary

Substitute Senate Bill No. 989, also known as an Act Concerning Online Harassment, intends to address the legal definitions and penalties associated with stalking and harassment, particularly in relation to electronic communications. The bill revises existing laws to clarify what constitutes first-degree and second-degree stalking. This includes the expansion of stalking definitions to encompass behaviors conducted through electronic and social media channels, reflecting a modern understanding of communication in the digital age. It aims to enhance the protection of individuals from various forms of harassment, particularly those involving the unauthorized use of personally identifiable information.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB00989 has generally been supportive, particularly among advocacy groups that highlight the need to adapt legal protections to better serve victims of digital harassment. Lawmakers emphasize the importance of protecting citizens from the burgeoning issue of online harassment and stalking. Nonetheless, there is concern among some sectors that the bill could inadvertently encroach on free speech rights or lead to overreach in monitoring online behavior. Thus, while the proposed measures are largely seen as necessary and timely, they also raise important dialogue about the balance between protection and personal freedoms.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns regarding the definitions of stalking and harassment—particularly how these definitions may evolve in the context of digital interactions. Critics may argue that broad interpretations could stifle legitimate discourse on various online platforms. Furthermore, the implications for businesses that rely on collecting personal data for marketing purposes have been raised. The enforcement mechanisms included in the bill, such as civil actions for violations, could have substantial implications for both individuals and organizations navigating the complexities of online privacy and harassment laws.