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Last month the Nevada Assembly unanimously passed AB309, and the bill came before the Senate Judiciary Committee last week.  The bill makes several significant changes to Nevada Revised Statute 200.575, the crime of stalking.

AB309 adds text messaging to the list of potential avenues for stalking:

A person who commits the crime of stalking with the use of an Internet or network site, electronic mail, text messaging or any other similar means of communication to publish, display or distribute information in a manner that substantially increases the risk of harm or violence to the victim shall be punished for a category C felony as provided in NRS 193.130.

The bill also increases the severity of a first offense, placing it in the category of a gross misdemeanor.  A subsequent offense, formerly a gross misdemeanor, is now a category D felony.

Finally, the bill slightly modifies the definition of stalking.  Conduct which causes someone to be “fearful for the safety of a third person” is now included in the definition.

This is a great step in the right direction for Nevada to protect its citizens.  Especially with teenagers, texting has become nearly as ubiquitous as calling someone on the phone.  This can lead to people being harassed via text.  More states need to realize that even a simple technology like texting can be used for ill will, and that ill will needs to be criminalized.  If the bill passes the Senate, the state will become only the fifth state to enact similar legislation.  According to an article in the Las Vegas Sun, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington are the only other states with similar legislation.

For those of us in law school, finals are quickly approaching.  For those lucky souls who aren’t in law school, you may have a boring weekend ahead.  Either way, wouldn’t it be nice to pop in a nice movie and just forget about your troubles for 99 minutes?  If so, this weekend I recommend Tommy Wiseau’s “The Room.”  Not familiar with this particular piece of cinematic genius?  According to Wikipedia:

The Room (2003) is an independent film written, produced, and directed and executive produced by Tommy Wiseau. It is the melodramatic story of a love triangle between a man, his fiancée, and his best friend. The principal cast includes Wiseau, Juliette Danielle, Greg Sestero, Philip Haldiman, Carolyn Minnott, and Robyn Paris. Without any studio support, Wiseau spent over $6 million on production and marketing for the film. After a brief run in Los Angeles, the film went on to develop a cult following in the city, because of its perceived unintentional humor. It continues to have monthly midnight screenings. Wiseau promotes the film as a black comedy and insists that the “unintentional” humor is intentional, although audience members generally doubt this.

This film deserves its cult following. The horrible acting and poor writing will literally have you on the floor laughing.  Don’t believe me?  Check out the video imbedded below, where our protagonist is struggling with the issue of his girlfriend alleging that he hit her, which he did not.