MS HB280

Adds social media communications to cyberstalking offense by making it unlawful to use electronic mail, social media, or electronic communication to post inflammatory misleading words on a continuous basis that accuse, allege, or speculate unlawful or immoral behavior resulting in loss of employment or income.

Maintains existing cyberstalking penalties: up to 2 years imprisonment or $5,000 fine for basic offense; up to 5 years imprisonment or $10,000 fine if offense violates a restraining order, condition of release, results in credible threat, or involves prior conviction of same offense.

Expands definition of actionable communications in tort law to include "misrepresentations" and communications that result in "termination of employment," not just those calculated to breach the peace.

Extends defamation notice requirements to include social media websites and electronic communications, requiring 10 days notice before filing civil action for libel or slander.

Takes effect July 1, 2024.