Md. Senate Passes Electronic Harassment Bill

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A measure to expand electronic harassment laws has cleared both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly.

The state Senate voted Monday to approve the bill.

Current Maryland law prohibits using email to harass someone and requires the harassing material be sent to an electronic address unique to the victim.

The legislation expands that standard to all types of communication using a computer or another electronic device. Under the bill, communication or data also does not need to be sent directly to a victim to qualify as harassment.

The bill contains a penalty of up to one year in prison or a maximum fine of $500.

The House of Delegates passed a version of the bill in February.

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