Interstate Threats Clarification Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-2552
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]
Introduced: 2016-02-11
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Assault and harassment offenses

Domestic violence and child abuse

Internet and video services

Internet, web applications, social media

Violent crime
Latest action: action_date: 2016-02-11
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S879-880)

Summaries:
action_date: 2016-02-11
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p><b>Interstate Threats Clarification Act of 2016</b></p> <p>This bill amends the federal criminal code to modify the provision that prohibits transmitting in interstate commerce a communication that contains a threat to injure another person (i.e., the federal threat statute).</p> <p>Specifically, it adds criminal intent as an element for a criminal offense under the federal threat statute. The government must prove that a defendant intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly transmitted a communication that contained a threat.</p> <p>Additionally, the bill revises the manner of transmission with respect to such communication to include the mail or any facility or means of interstate commerce. </p>

tv_txt: II 114th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2552 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 11, 2016 Mrs. Feinstein (for herself, Mr. Durbin , Mr. Whitehouse , and Ms. Klobuchar ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend section 875(c) of title 18, United States Code, to include an intent requirement.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Interstate Threats Clarification Act of 2016 . 2. Interstate communications Section 875(c) of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (a) by inserting (1) before Whoever ; (b) in paragraph (1), as so designated, by striking in interstate or foreign commerce and inserting , using the mail or any facility or means of interstate or foreign commerce, ; and (c) by adding at the end the following: (2) For purposes of an offense under this subsection, the Government shall prove that the defendant intended, had knowledge, or recklessly disregarded the risk, that the communication would be reasonably interpreted as a threat. .