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S 3519

Redefines the term "following" for a crime of stalking in the fourth degree

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Jackson and 1 co-sponsor

The bill redefines the term “following” in fourth-degree stalking, altering what conduct qualifies and how evidence is evaluated for liability.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 3519

Summary: Senate Bill S.3519 – Redefines the term "following" for a crime of stalking in the fourth degree

What the bill does

  • S.3519 would amend the statute governing stalking in the fourth degree by redefining the term “following.” The bill changes how the behavior constitutes stalking at the fourth-degree level, focusing on clarifying what actions or patterns of behavior are covered under “following.”
  • The exact statutory language is not provided here, but the core intent is to alter the definition used to determine liability for stalking in the fourth degree, potentially affecting what conduct qualifies as the offense and how evidence is evaluated.

Key provisions (as described)

  • Legislative change: redefine the term “following” within the stalking in the fourth-degree offense.
  • Effect: reinterpreting or narrowing/expanding the circumstances under which a person’s actions meet the fourth-degree stalking standard. The bill would influence charging criteria, evidence requirements (e.g., timing, proximity, or pattern of behavior), and judicial interpretation of the offense.
  • Note: The precise text and technical details would be found in the bill’s statutory amendments; this summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose to redefine the term.

Who would be affected

  • Defendants charged with stalking in the fourth degree.
  • Victims of stalking, who may see changes in how the offense is alleged and proven.
  • Prosecutors and law enforcement, who would apply the revised definition in investigations, charging decisions, and prosecutions.
  • Courts, which would interpret and apply the new definition in rulings on Fourth-Degree Stalking cases.

Status and legislative history

  • Introduced: January 28, 2025.
  • Primary sponsor: Jessica Scarcella-Spanton; cosponsor: Robert Jackson.
  • Legislative path:
    • Referred to Codes (January 28, 2025).
    • Advanced to third reading (April 9, 2025) and (April 15, 2025).
    • Passed the Senate (May 13, 2025).
    • Delivered to the Assembly (May 13, 2025) and referred to Codes (May 13, 2025).
  • Related/broader context: Related prior-session bills include S.8800 and S.5505; companion bill A.8076 exists.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • If the Assembly acts favorably, the bill would proceed through its committees and floor votes in the Assembly before potential passage to the governor for signature.
  • The coordinated timeline shows the bill moved from introduction in January 2025 through multiple committee stages in spring 2025, culminating in Senate passage in May 2025 and transmission to the Assembly.

Related bills and companions

  • Related Senate bills: S.8800 (prior-session), S.5505 (prior-session).
  • Companion Assembly bill: A.8076 (listed twice as companions).

Practical considerations

  • The change may affect case strategy for prosecutors and defense counsel, as well as the way victims’ experiences are framed and proven in court.
  • The impact depends on the precise statutory language enacted; readers should review the official bill text for exact definitions and any transitional provisions.

Note: This summary reflects the information available. The exact statutory language will define the scope and impact of the redefine-definition provision.

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

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