AR SB509

Establishes civil liability for intentionally impersonating another person by transmitting or posting an electronic communication (email, text, social media, etc.) without permission that expresses an opinion on a political issue before the General Assembly with intent to influence a legislator's vote

Allows victims whose identity is wrongfully misappropriated to bring a civil action and recover damages for any injury sustained and costs of the civil action

Provides mandatory damage awards of $5,000 per prosecutable act if a victim prevails in the civil action

Establishes a 3-year statute of limitations for filing civil actions, beginning from when the action is discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence

Approved April 6, 2015