2017 House Bill 5257

Senate Roll Call 171: Passed

To make it a crime punishable by up to three years in prison to possess “ransomware” software with malicious intent. The bill defines ransomware as “a computer or data contaminant, encryption, or lock” that can be placed or introduced without authorization into a computer or network, and that restricts access in a manner that enables the perpetrator “to demand payment of money or other consideration” to remove it.

34 Yeas / 0 Nays
Republican (24 Yeas / 0 Nays)
Democrat (10 Yeas / 0 Nays)
Excused or Not Voting (3)