There's a push in the Florida Legislature to outlaw threats made online.
Currently, law enforcement cannot investigate a threat unless it's sent directly to a person. But a new measure approved by a committee would make sending broad threats on social media a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Some lawmakers are concerned that a momentary lapse in judgment could result in someone becoming a felon.
State law now makes it a second-degree felony to write and send “a threat to kill or to do bodily injury,” including by “electronic communication.”
But a recent state appellate decision highlighted the problem of prosecuting such cases when threats are posted on social media, as opposed to being sent by email, and are not necessarily aimed at one person.
Representative Julio Gonzalez of Sarasota County says we cannot illegalize people acting stupid.
The bill will head next to the Justice Appropriations Subcommittee.