It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 11-59-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-59 entitled "Stalking" is hereby amended to read as follows:

{ADD 11-59-2. Stalking prohibited. -- ADD} (a) Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of bodily injury is guilty of the crime of stalking, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.

(b) A second or subsequent conviction {DEL occurring within seven (7) years of a prior conviction DEL} under subdivision (a) {DEL against the same victim and involving an act of violence DEL} shall be deemed a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or both.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.