Senate Bill 2471 Summary

• Revises the offense of obscene electronic communication under Section 97-29-45 to include "harassing" communications and expands the definition to cover electronic devices, satellite telephones, and the Internet.

• Restructures cyberstalking penalties under Section 97-45-15 to impose fines up to $500 or six months jail for first offense, and up to $5,000 fine or two years imprisonment for second or subsequent offenses.

• Enhances penalties to up to five years imprisonment or $10,000 fine if cyberstalking violates a restraining order, probation condition, results in credible threats, or the offender has prior convictions for similar conduct.

• Revises cyberbullying penalties under Section 97-45-17 to impose fines up to $500 or six months jail for first offense, and up to $10,000 fine or five years imprisonment for second or subsequent offenses.

• Clarifies venue provisions allowing prosecution in the county where electronic communications originate if within Mississippi, or in the county where communications are received if originating outside the state.

• Takes effect July 1, 2014.