78R7606 EMT-D

By:  Laubenberg                                                   H.B. No. 3536



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the offense of making a terroristic threat through 
electronic communication or other means.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 22.07, Penal Code, is amended by 
amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to read as 
follows:
	(a)  A person commits an offense if by any means, including 
electronic communication, the person [he] threatens to commit any 
offense involving violence to any person or property with intent 
to:
		(1)  cause a reaction of any type to the person's [his] 
threat by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with 
emergencies;
		(2)  place any person in fear of imminent serious 
bodily injury;  or        
		(3)  prevent or interrupt the occupation or use of a 
building;  room;  place of assembly;  place to which the public has 
access;  place of employment or occupation;  school or similar 
educational institution;  aircraft, automobile, or other form of 
conveyance;  or other public place;  or
		(4)  cause impairment or interruption of public 
communications, public transportation, public water, gas, or power 
supply or other public service.
	(c)  In this section, "electronic communication" has the 
meaning assigned by Section 42.07.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.