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Bill

Bill

S 2273

Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act

119th Congress Introduced by John Barrasso and 1 co-sponsor

Bill S 2273 updates aggravated harassment laws to include electronic communications, enhancing protections for victims and enabling better prosecution of online harassment.

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee without amendment. Without written report.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2273

Summary of Bill S 2273

Title

Includes contacts via text, email, private message, direct message or other electronic communication in the definition of the offense of aggravated harassment in the second degree

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2273 aims to modernize the legal definition of aggravated harassment in the second degree by explicitly including various forms of electronic communication—such as text messages, emails, and private messages. The intent is to address the evolving nature of harassment in the digital age, ensuring that individuals who engage in harassment through electronic means can be prosecuted under the same standards as those who use traditional methods.

Key Provisions

  • Expanded Definition: The bill expands the definition of aggravated harassment in the second degree to encompass harassment conducted through:

    • Text messages
    • Emails
    • Private messages
    • Direct messages
    • Other forms of electronic communication
  • Legal Implications: By including these forms of communication, the bill seeks to provide law enforcement and the judicial system with the tools necessary to address and prosecute harassment that occurs online, reflecting the realities of modern communication.

Affected Parties

  • Victims of Harassment: Individuals who experience harassment through electronic means will benefit from enhanced legal protections.
  • Law Enforcement: Police and legal authorities will have clearer guidelines for prosecuting cases of aggravated harassment that occur via electronic communication.
  • Perpetrators: Individuals who engage in harassment through digital platforms may face increased legal consequences under the revised definition.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 16, 2025
  • Passed Senate: April 8, 2025
  • Delivered to Assembly: April 8, 2025
  • Referred to Codes: April 8, 2025
  • Advanced to Third Reading: February 26, 2025
  • Second Report Calendar: February 25, 2025
  • First Report Calendar: February 24, 2025

Related Bills

  • S 9148 (prior-session)
  • S 2636 (prior-session)
  • S 1477 (prior-session)
  • S 2450 (prior-session)
  • A 2239 (companion)

Conclusion

Bill S 2273 represents a significant step toward adapting legal definitions to the realities of contemporary communication. By including electronic forms of harassment in the definition of aggravated harassment, the bill seeks to enhance protections for victims and provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to address these offenses effectively. The bill is currently under consideration in the Assembly after passing the Senate.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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