Senate passes bill targeting cyberstalking (UPDATE)

By: Associated Press//March 17, 2015//

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Legislature has passed a bill targeting cyberstalking.

The measure approved by the Senate on a voice vote Tuesday would allow judges to issue restraining orders against people in other states.

It passed the Assembly in February and now heads to Gov. Scott Walker. A spokeswoman says Walker likely will sign the bill.

Under the bill, a Wisconsin judge would have the authority to issue a restraining order if an act or threat that occurred outside Wisconsin is part of an ongoing pattern of harassment. The person targeted would have to be in Wisconsin.

Under current law, the target of the harassment would have to travel to the state where the harasser lives to get protection.

Bill sponsor Sen. Van Wanggaard says harassment can occur through smartphones and social media, making the more expansive judicial powers necessary.

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