Bill to make harassment of justice system personnel a felony filed
Sen. Ileana Garcia
A South Florida lawmaker has filed a bill that would make it a third-degree felony to harass or cyberstalk justice system personnel.
Sen. Ileana Garcia, a Miami Republican who chairs the Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice, filed SB 54 ahead of the March 4 regular session.
The bill would make it a third-degree felony to “willfully or maliciously” harass or cyberstalk justice system personnel if the crime is linked to the victim’s official duties.
The bill refers to an existing statute that defines justice system personnel as justices, judges, state attorneys, public defenders, regional counsel, criminal defense attorneys, and law enforcement and correctional officers.
Another provision would expand the definition of harass to include causing “substantial emotional distress through direct or indirect actions,” and “acts done through a third party or by using a camera, drone, or other means to observe or spy upon a victim.”
The measure would also revise the definition of cyberstalking to include gaining unauthorized access to someone’s online accounts or electronic systems “without prior written permission,” and emphasizes “prior written permission that has not been revoked.”
Other provisions would authorize judges, in certain circumstances, to electronically sign arrest warrants.
The measure has an October 1, 2025, effective date and faces hearings in the Criminal Justice, Judiciary, and Rules committees.
No companion has been filed.
