PANTER/GREENSTEIN BILL ENHANCING STALKING LAW PROTECTIONS ADVANCES

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assembly members Mike Panter and Linda R. Greenstein sponsored to strengthen the state's anti-stalking laws was unanimously released today from the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.

"With the advent of near instant communication, stalking and harassment can occur through a variety of mediums in near real time - leaving victims no place they can feel safe," said Panter (D-Monmouth).  "We need to update our thinking so we can work to better protect innocent people from unwanted attention and advances."

The Panter/Greenstein measure (A-4354) would expand the definitions and enhance the penalties found in the state's stalking statute.  Specifically, a person would be guilty of third-degree stalking if he or she purposefully or knowingly engages in behavior that causes victims to fear for their safety or suffer severe emotional distress.  Third-degree stalking carries penalties of up to $15,000 in fines and five years in jail.

Under the bill, a person who commits the following crimes would be subject to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of six months without parole:

• Stalking in violation of an existing court order prohibiting that behavior;
• Repeat instances of stalking the same victim;
• Stalking while serving a term of imprisonment or on parole or probation; and
• Stalking a victim who is a minor.

Additionally, the measure would broaden the legal definition of "course of conduct" with reference to stalking to include harassment by means other than personal contact and contact by phone.

"Stalking is a serious crime that can damage a person's life and leave lasting scars," said Greenstein (D-Middlesex).  "We must do more to protect people from unwanted, unrelenting, and unnerving attention."

The measure now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.

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