Bill Text: MO HB1232 | 2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Specifies that any person who impersonates another actual person through or on a website for specified harmful purposes will be guilty of a class A misdemeanor

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-04-11 - Public Hearing Completed (H) [HB1232 Detail]

Download: Missouri-2012-HB1232-Introduced.html

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SECOND REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 1232

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES McMANUS (Sponsor), NEWMAN AND HUMMEL (Co-sponsors).

4375L.01I                                                                                                                                                  D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk

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AN ACT

To amend chapter 570, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to online identity theft, with penalty provisions.

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

            Section A. Chapter 570, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 570.227, to read as follows:

            570.227. 1. Notwithstanding any other law, any person who knowingly and without consent credibly impersonates another actual person through or on an internet website or by other electronic means for purposes of harming, intimidating, threatening, or defrauding another person is guilty of an offense punishable under this section.

            2. For purposes of this section, an impersonation is credible if another person would reasonably believe, or did reasonably believe, that the defendant was or is the person who was impersonated. "Electronic means" shall include opening an email account or an account or profile on a social networking internet website in another person's name.

            3. A violation of this section is a class A misdemeanor and shall be punishable by:

            (1) A fine not exceeding one thousand dollars; or

            (2) Imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year; or

            (3) Both the fine and imprisonment listed in subdivisons (1) and (2) of this subsection.

            4. In addition to any other civil remedy available, a person who suffers damage or loss by reason of a violation of this section may bring a civil action against the violator for compensatory damages and injunctive relief or other equitable relief.

            5. The provisions of this section shall not preclude prosecution under any other law.

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