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Arizona includes smartphones in stalking bill

PHOENIX — Lawmakers in both chambers have approved a revised Arizona anti-stalking bill that had riled social media users for making it criminal to annoy or offend someone online.

In a 52-6 final vote, the Arizona House passed a proposal Monday updating state harassment and stalking laws to include smartphones and cyber communication.

Shortly after, the Senate approved the bill 27-3.

A provision in the bill that free speech advocates said could lead to people being criminally charged for online comments permitted by the Constitution has since been dropped.

The bill’s focus is now on behavior intended to intimidate or threaten. It also states the law would not apply to constitutionally protected speech.

The legislation will now head to Gov. Jan Brewer’s desk for a signature.

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