(INDIANAPOLIS) - A bill aimed at making doxing a crime in Indiana cleared a key Senate committee Tuesday, moving lawmakers closer to criminal penalties for intentionally sharing personal information to threaten or intimidate others.
The Indiana Capital Chronicle reports that Senate Bill 140, authored by Sen. Vaneta Becker of Evansville, passed the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee on a 6-1 vote and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
The proposal would create a new offense for intentionally posting personal information about a targeted person -- or someone close to them -- with the intent to cause fear or bodily harm.
Lawmakers say the bill was prompted by a wave of threats, swatting incidents, and bomb scares targeting legislators during December's contentious redistricting debate.
Before advancing, senators narrowed the bill's scope, removing coworkers from the definition of people protected under the law and clarifying what qualifies as personal information. Committee chair Sen. Aaron Freeman said the changes addressed concerns the original language was too broad.
Sen. Liz Brown of Fort Wayne cast the lone vote against the bill, saying she remains worried the language could still apply to private emails, texts, or messages.
Supporters say the legislation is needed to protect public officials and private citizens from harassment and threats fueled by online disclosures. Opponents warn further revisions may be needed to avoid unintended consequences.
If approved by the Senate, the bill would move to the Indiana House for consideration.