KY HB521

Consolidates Kentucky's two existing stalking offenses (first and second degree) into a single stalking crime classified as a Class D felony, with enhancement to a Class C felony under aggravating circumstances such as violating a protective order, having a prior conviction against the same victim within 5 years, possessing a deadly weapon, or placing the victim in reasonable fear of sexual contact, physical injury, or death.

Modernizes the definition of "course of conduct" to explicitly include cyberstalking through internet applications, social media platforms, email, text messages, instant messages, and other electronic communications, and adds a new statutory definition of "social media platform."

Expands the definition of "protective order" to include civil restraining orders issued by Kentucky courts or any other state, in addition to existing categories like domestic violence orders and interpersonal protective orders.

Requires stalking convictions to automatically trigger an application for an interpersonal protective order under KRS Chapter 456 (unless the victim declines), which may be effective for up to 10 years with renewals in 10-year increments.

Preserves the validity of all restraining orders and interpersonal protective orders issued prior to the Act's effective date, with existing restraining orders to be converted to interpersonal protective orders upon renewal.