AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- COMPUTER CRIME

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Justine Caldwell and 7 co-sponsors

The bill broadens cyberstalking/cyberharassment penalties by removing the “solely for harassment” requirement, allowing prosecutions for harassing conduct even if not primarily to

06/09/2026 Referred to Senate Judiciary

Summary of HB 8058 (Rhode Island, 2026) – AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — COMPUTER CRIME

Purpose and intent

The bill modifies the existing cyberstalking/cyberharassment statute to remove the current requirement that the electronic communications must be transmitted for the sole purpose of harassing the target.

In short, it broadens the scope of conduct that can be prosecuted as cyberstalking or cyberharassment.

Key provisions and changes

Amends Section 11-52-4.2 (Cyberstalking and cyberharassment prohibited):

Currently: A person commits cyberstalking/cyberharassment if they transmit a communication by computer or electronic device to another person with the sole purpose of harassing that person or their family.
Amended: It would be unlawful to engage in cyberstalking/cyberharassment even if the transmission is not solely for harassment, as long as the conduct constitutes harassing behavior under the statute.
Harassment definition (unchanged in text):
“Harassing” means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, or bothers the person, with no legitimate purpose.
The conduct must cause substantial emotional distress or fear of bodily harm to a reasonable person.
“Course of conduct” definition (unchanged in text):
A pattern of acts over time showing a continuity of purpose.
Constitutionally protected activity is excluded from “course of conduct.”

Penalties:

First offense: Misdemeanor
Fine: up to $500
Imprisonment: up to 1 year
Or both
Second or subsequent offense: Felony
Imprisonment: up to 2 years
Fine: up to $6,000
Or both

Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/what is affected

Individuals and entities in Rhode Island who engage in electronic communications or other electronic device–based conduct that constitutes cyberstalking or cyberharassment under the broadened standard.

The statute applies to repeat offenders more severely (enhanced penalties for subsequent offenses).

Law enforcement and the judiciary, which would enforce the amended standard and handle cases under the revised definition and penalties.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill was introduced February 27, 2026, and referred to House Judiciary.

It advanced through committee consideration in March 2026 and was scheduled for further consideration in May 2026.

As of the latest action, the act would take effect upon passage (no separate delayed effective date).

Practical impact and considerations

Broader reach: The removal of the “solely for harassment” requirement means more communications can be prosecuted if they fit the harassment criteria and constitute a “course of conduct.”

Clarity for prosecutors: The revised standard focuses on the presence of a pattern of harassing behavior and its impact, rather than the sole purpose of the communications.

Public safety and accountability: The enhanced penalties for repeat offenses aim to deter persistent cyberharassment and cyberstalking.

First offense remains a misdemeanor with modest penalties; repeat offenses carry stiffer consequences.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for policymakers, advocates, or the general public, or compare it to Rhode Island’s existing cybercrime framework.