2005 House Bill 5043 ↩

Senate Roll Call 75: Passed

To broaden the law that makes it a crime to maliciously cut, break, tap, connect with, read, or copy telephone, telegraph or cable messages, so that it also applies explicitly to cell phones, computers, computer networks, the Internet, and other modern innovations. Language making it unlawful to “wilfully and maliciously prevent, obstruct, or delay any authorized communication” could also be used in domestic abuse cases where one partner seeks to control the others outside communications. In its current form, the law bans activities such as tapping into a news or sports news channel for the purpose of gaining advantage by getting the information before the general public. The bill updates this to cover malicious activities that are relevant in the current telecommunications environment, including cell phones.