SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) passed legislation out of the Senate today that strengthens existing cyberstalking laws to include stalking conducted through a cell phone or traditional landline phone.

"This legislation acknowledges the unfortunate fact that some stalkers are utilizing cell phones and regular phones to harass and disturb others," Hutchinson said. "By keeping pace with the ever changing use of technology, we are ensuring the safety of our citizens and our communities."

House Bill 2935 amends the description of electronic communication under the cyberstalking offense to include telephone, cell phone or pager technology. Currently, electronic communication only includes transmissions from one computer to another through the internet.

"Individuals who are being harassed are being traumatized, fearing for their safety and trying to ensure the safety of their families," Hutchinson said. "This legislation ensures law enforcement has every necessary tool at their disposal to halt the harassment by recognizing the ways stalkers are threatening their victims."

House Bill 2935 is in addition to a 2009 initiative, led by Senator Hutchinson and Attorney General Lisa Madigan, which updated Illinois’ stalking laws, broadening the definition of stalking to include cyberstalking over the internet. The legislation also allowed victims who were being stalked by a stranger to obtain a "stalking no-contact order", which was previously only available for persons that had an established relationship. Studies continue to show the high prevalence of stalking between complete strangers.

House Bill 2935 passed the Illinois Senate by a 58-0 vote and now heads to Governor Quinn for his approval.