SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan in Springfield to expand the legal definition of stalking in state statute passed unanimously out of the Senate Criminal Law committee Tuesday.
Sponsors said the bill could help victims obtain a stalking no contact order more easily if the victim feels under emotional distress.Â
Under the proposed policy, victims can seek legal relief if they receive multiple phone calls from the stalker after they've been told to stop, they're repeatedly appearing at the victim's workplace or outside their home, or they're following the victim in a public place among others.
Although, sponsors stressed that this change will not impact First Amendment rights.
"This fills a gap in existing law," said Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview). "Currently, there is no clear order of protection on the basis of harassment. It does include expressed free speech protections and there is no opposition."
The measure now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. House Bill 2873 passed out of the House unanimously in early April.
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