Threatening texts could be considered intimidation

The Judiciary Committee heard testimony Jan. 27 on a bill that would change provisions relating to intimidation by telephone call.

LB948, introduced by Plattsmouth Sen. Paul Lambert, would add electronic communication device to the definition of intimidation.

The bill also would increase the penalty for intimidation from a Class III to a Class I misdemeanor.

“The county attorneys in my district have had cases involving intimidation by text messaging,” Lambert said, adding that they have been difficult to prosecute.

Otoe County Attorney David Partsch testified in support of LB948, saying the law should reflect the current means of communication used by a large segment of the population.

Several cases over the past year involved threats made by texts, he said, but those cases could not be prosecuted as intimidation by call because the statutes did not include electronic devices.

No opposing testimony was given and the committee took no immediate action on the bill.