House committee updates stalking law to cover persistent electronic behavior; bill advances

FRANKFORT — The House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday advanced House Bill 521, a measure sponsored in committee testimony by Majority Leader Stephen Rudy aimed at updating Kentucky's stalking statutes to reflect modern forms of harassment, including electronic communications.

Rudy, identified in committee as Stephen Rudy, First House District, told members the bill consolidates and clarifies existing stalking language so the law better fits how stalking occurs today. "Our stalking laws do not reflect the world of stalking as it occurs today," he said, and added that stalking "is an extreme persistent pattern of behavior that disrupts your sense of safety," not merely "a couple of text messages" (Representative Stephen Rudy).

Jenna Cassidy of the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs joined the panel but did not offer opposing testimony in committee; questions from members focused on whether the change would increase correctional costs. Representative Marzion asked about fiscal impact; Rudy told the committee sponsors do not expect the measure to increase prison populations and said the aim is to allow courts to address behavior that is already occurring but not well captured by the current statutes.

Committee members asked staff to check fiscal-note details; the committee then voted to report HB 521 favorably. Clerk records show the committee recorded 17 yes votes, no no votes and no pass votes.

By reporting the bill favorably, the committee has sent HB 521 to the next stage of consideration in the House. The bill would move Kentucky's stalking offense language closer to the way courts and law enforcement describe persistent, technologically enabled harassment.

The committee did not finalize fiscal estimates during the hearing; sponsors and members asked for any corrections or clarifications to be provided as the bill proceeds through the legislative process.