TELEPHONE, TEXT & SOCIAL MEDIA CRIMES

HB 287 proposes to update New Mexico's harassment law by explicitly including text messages and social media communications alongside traditional phone calls. The bill would make it illegal to use these digital methods with intent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy, or offend another person - such as sending obscene content, threats of harm, or repeated anonymous messages disrupting someone's peace. It clarifies that offenses occur where the message originated or was received, and specifies penalties as a misdemeanor (or felony for repeat offenses). The bill directly affects individuals who use digital communication to harass others, aiming to address modern forms of online intimidation under existing legal frameworks.