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House passes bill to strengthen penalties for online harassment and doxing
Summary
HB106, which tightens statutes against doxing and related online harassment and clarifies intent and enforcement mechanisms, passed the House unanimously (105–0) after floor discussion about enforcement and scope.
The House unanimously approved HB106, legislation sharpened to criminalize the publication of someone’s personally identifying information online when the actor intends to harm that person or their family.
Representative Given, the sponsor, said the bill clarifies the existing law and increases penalties where online disclosure of personal data creates real danger for private citizens and public figures. Lawmakers speaking in support recounted firsthand experiences with harassment and urged law-enforcement agencies to use the statute to act with urgency on serious threats or doxing incidents.
Representative Given told colleagues the bill includes social-media postings in its prohibitions and that sponsors intend to work with prosecutors to ensure investigation and timely enforcement. The House adopted the bill and opened it to more co-sponsors on the floor; final passage was recorded 105–0.
What’s next: With passage in the House, the bill moves to the Senate for consideration; supporters urged timely enforcement and clear guidance for local prosecutors.
