MS SB2961

Amends stalking law to require "purposeful" conduct directed at a specific person that causes a reasonable person to fear for safety or property damage; establishes stalking as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine.

Establishes aggravated stalking as a felony when stalking involves display of a deadly weapon, prior stalking conviction within 7 years, or perpetrator is registered sex offender stalking a victim under age 18; punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and $3,000 fine, or up to 6 years and $4,000 fine if sex offender targeting minor.

Defines "course of conduct" as two or more acts over any time period showing continuity of purpose, including following, contacting by phone/mail/electronic communication, or threatening harm.

Requires sentencing court to consider issuing contact prohibition orders and allows courts to require psychiatric, psychological, or behavioral modification counseling as condition of probation or suspended sentence.

Expands venue to any county where any act occurs in furtherance of stalking, with electronic communications deemed committed in counties where generated or received; effective July 1, 2010.