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Relating to the prosecution and punishment of the criminal offense of harassment; creating a criminal offense.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 3490 would create an offense for an individual who "publishes on an Internet website, including a social media platform, repeated electronic communications in a manner reasonably likely to harass, abuse, or torment another person." This offense would be a Class B misdemeanor, except that under certain circumstances it would be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor. HB 3490 would create an offense for an individual who "publishes on an Internet website, including a social media platform, repeated electronic communications in a manner reasonably likely to harass, abuse, or torment another person." This offense would be a Class B misdemeanor, except that under certain circumstances it would be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor.
Texas Action opposes HB 3490 because it violates our principles of limited government, personal responsibility and individual liberty. Speech, even boorish speech by social media trolls, is constitutionally protected. This bill would violate the first amendment right to freedom of speech. People who feel harassed or annoyed by others on social media are free to disengage or to block the people they don't want to hear from.
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