Michael Ridgway Law - HB 493 Passes Legislature:

HB 493 Stalking amendments passes Legislature:

The bill modifies the Criminal Code regarding the elements and penalties for the offense of stalking, and addresses the use of new technology of Instant Messaging, email, blogs, and other electronic delivery services used by stalkers.

I have been somewhat silent on this blog regarding this Legislation; however I have been actively involved behind the scenes. I was ridiculed by many bloggers and others indicating that a Stalking Injunction I filed to protect my wife and a child from someone who I personally believe to be mentally unstable was purely politically motivated. This argument was proffered by the defense attorney in the initial emergency hearing, subsequent full hearing, and additionally upon appeal to the Utah Supreme Court. All three court decisions rejected this argument.

This newly passed legislation clearly defines cyber harassment as being included in the law. One only need read the bill and you will see exactly why this legislation was proposed and passed both the House and Senate with only 3 dissenting votes. When elected officials started to personally receive the same cyber stalking harassment, they were motivated to update the law to address instant messaging, email, blog sites, and other electronic delivery systems.

I would hope the Supreme Court decision and HB 493 puts to rest that this action was somehow not warranted, and would expect several bloggers who were very vocal in opposition to my actions, without the actual facts of the case, that they might want to apologize to my wife and family.

Here is the full text of the Bill

http://le.utah.gov/~2008/bills/hbillamd/hb0493.htm

Towner v. Ridgeway
http://www.utcourts.gov/opinions/supopin/Towner030408.pdf