It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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

{ADD 11-59-1. Definitions. -- ADD} For the purpose of this chapter:

(1) "Course of conduct" means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of "course of conduct".

(2) "Harasses" means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, or be in fear of bodily injury.

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

(b) A second or subsequent conviction occurring within seven years of a prior conviction under subdivision (a) against the same victim and involving an act of violence 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.