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RI H8058
Bill
Status
2/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Justine Caldwell
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AI Summary
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Removes the word "sole" from Rhode Island's cyberharassment statute, allowing prosecution when harassment is a purpose of electronic communications rather than requiring it be the only purpose
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First offense remains a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 fine and/or up to 1 year imprisonment
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Second or subsequent offenses remain a felony punishable by up to $6,000 fine and/or up to 2 years imprisonment
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"Harassing" conduct must still be knowing, willful, directed at a specific person, serve no legitimate purpose, and cause a reasonable person substantial emotional distress or fear of bodily injury
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Takes effect immediately upon passage
Legislative Description
Makes it unnecessary to prove that a person's transmission of electronic communications be for the sole purpose of harassment before being found guilty of cyberstalking or cyberharassment.
Criminal Offenses
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
2/27/2026