(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Representative Jessica Haak, D-Jamestown will testify on behalf of HB 1321, “Jackie’s Law,” a bill providing further protections for victims of stalking Wednesday, January 28th in front of the House Judiciary Committee. The bill adds unauthorized GPS and electronic device tracking as a crime under North Dakota’s current anti-stalking law.
HB 1321 receives its name in honor of Jacqueline Wisniewski of New York, whose surgeon ex-boyfriend stalked and killed her in 2012 after placing a GPS device in her car and purse. If passed, this bill would ensure law enforcement and prosecutors have the power to intervene in domestic violence cases as well as prosecute.
“I was appalled to learn that this action alone was not illegal. It’s our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure survivors of domestic violence and stalking are given piece of mind,” Haak said. “As technology evolves, we must also evolve in order to provide victims with necessary protections.”
Today, one in four stalking cases involves some sort of technology, and one in 13 involves electronic monitoring or GPS tracking according to a U.S. Justice Department survey.
Currently, 10 states prohibit unauthorized tracking, including New York. Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee and Texas prohibit the secret installation of tracking devices on a vehicle and California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota and Virginia prohibit placing devices on other movable objects; and/or simply prohibit using a device to track a person surreptitiously.
North Dakota has no current protections for unauthorized GPS and electronic device tracking as related to stalking. Co-sponsors include Representatives Roger Brabandt, R-Minot; Lois Delmore, D-Grand Forks; Mary Johnson, R-Fargo; Lawrence Klemin, R-Bismarck; and Senators Kelly Armstrong, R-Dickinson and John Grabinger, D-Jamestown.
WHO: Representative Jessica Haak, D-Jamestown
WHAT: Committee Hearing
WHERE: House Judiciary Committee, Pioneer Room
WHEN: Wednesday, January 28th at 9:00 a.m.
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