Lawmakers pass Arizona anti-stalking bill - CBS 5 - KPHO

Lawmakers pass Arizona anti-stalking bill

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PHOENIX (AP) -

Lawmakers have approved a revised Arizona anti-stalking bill that had riled social media users for making it criminal to annoy or offend someone online.

In a 52-6 final vote, the Arizona House passed a proposal updating state harassment and stalking laws to include smart phones and cyber communication.

A provision in the bill that free speech advocates said could lead to people being criminally charged for online comments permitted by the Constitution has since been dropped.

The bill's focus is now on behavior intended to intimidate or threaten. It also states the law would not apply to constitutionally protected speech. Other changes include specifications that a threat be directed at a specific individuals or group.

The legislation now heads to Gov. Jan Brewer's desk.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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