MO HB1427

Expands the harassment statute to include anonymous threats to commit felonies, communications using electronic/technological means including GPS tracking devices, repeated unwanted communications, and communications with minors under 17 that recklessly cause emotional distress.

Enhances penalties for harassment to a class D felony if the offender is 21 or older targeting someone 17 or younger, or if the offender has a prior conviction for harassment or related offenses in state, federal, county, municipal, or military law.

Broadens the definition of "course of conduct" for stalking to explicitly include surveillance, monitoring, following, threatening, and interfering with property through electronic means, cellular phones, internet, cameras, GPS systems, and other tracking devices.

Creates a new crime of cyber-stalking with two categories: (1) harassing another person on two or more occasions through electronic/technological means with threats or apprehension of harm or solicitation of crimes, and (2) creating and maintaining internet websites/webpages containing harassing statements accessible to others for at least 24 hours that threaten harm or solicit crimes.

Establishes cyber-stalking as a class A misdemeanor, elevating to class D felony for prior offenders, and adds deadly weapon possession during the course of conduct as an aggravating factor for stalking offenses.