The 12th District Legislators are pleased to announce the legislation sponsored by them to broaden protection for stalking victims was today signed into law by the Governor.
“This is a good day for women throughout the state who have been victims of stalking,” said Senator Jennifer Beck, a member of the State Senate Judiciary Committee. “As technology advances, so do the tools stalkers use to keep track of their victims. The new law is keeping in step with technology such as GPS and hidden cameras. I am proud to have sponsored it, alongside my colleague Senator Buono.”
The signing of this bill is the culmination of three years of work by the 12th District Legislators. The legislation was prompted by a situation in Marlboro when a woman who was a victim of stalking addressed her concerns to her State representatives.
The bill expands the current stalking law to include conduct that causes a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of a third person or to suffer emotional distress. Additionally, the bill amends the definition of conduct to include directly or indirectly or through a third person or by device to follow, monitor, surveill, threaten or interfere with a person’s property.
“This is an issue that couldn’t be ignored,” said Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande. “I’m glad to see that the Governor agrees. After all, it’s important for people to feel safe, especially within the confines of their homes, their private lives.”
“As a husband and a father, I want to feel that my loved ones are safe,” said Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon. “I also want to know that there are proper punishments in place for those who commit crimes of this nature.”
This law will make stalking a fourth degree crime punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 18 months, a maximum fine of $10,000 or both. A violator committing a second or subsequent offense is guilty of a third degree crime, punishable of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $15,000 or both.
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