RI S2981

Amends Rhode Island's cyberstalking and cyberharassment statute (§ 11-52-4.2) by removing the word "sole" from the requirement that electronic communications be transmitted "for the purpose of harassing" someone

Lowers the prosecutorial burden by allowing conviction when harassment is a purpose of the communication, rather than requiring proof it was the only purpose

First offense remains a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 fine and/or up to 1 year imprisonment; second or subsequent offenses are felonies with up to $6,000 fine and/or up to 2 years imprisonment

"Harassing" still requires proof of knowing, willful conduct that seriously alarms or bothers a person, serves no legitimate purpose, and would cause a reasonable person substantial emotional distress or fear of bodily injury

Takes effect upon passage