One of the dozens of new laws we’re getting today originated with a tragedy.
Thirteen-year old Megan Meier hanged herself almost two years ago when a supposed internet friend turned vicious and sent hurtful messages. The friend turned out not to be a teenaged boy, but the mother of a former friend of Megan Meier.
Senator Scott Roupp of Wentzville says Missouri needs this new stalking and harassment law because existing laws had not kept up with technology. "We needed to tie the new way people communicate…into the 21st century with our state laws," he says. He says the harassment and stalking laws had not been clarified for two decades or more.
The new law makes it illegal to use the internet for stalking and harassment. It is especially tough on adults who use the internet to get to youngsters. It also says stalking can include threats to harm a person’s pets or livestock with the intent to scare the owner.