Stop Electronic Stalking Act of 2025
Summary
What This Bill Does
The Stop Electronic Stalking Act updates the federal stalking statute for location-tracking technology. It amends 18 U.S.C. 2261A so the covered stalking conduct includes using an unauthorized geotracking device. It defines a geotracking device as an electronic or mechanical device that lets a person remotely determine or track another person's position and movement. It defines unauthorized use as using the device without the tracked person's consent or after that person revoked consent. The bill gives federal prosecutors a clearer statutory hook for stalking cases involving hidden trackers, phone-linked tracking devices, or other remote location tools.
Who Benefits and How
Stalking victims benefit because unauthorized location tracking is expressly covered by federal stalking law. Domestic violence survivors benefit from a clearer federal tool against tracking devices used for coercive control. Federal prosecutors benefit from definitions that connect geotracking conduct to 18 U.S.C. 2261A. Privacy advocates benefit because the bill treats nonconsensual location tracking as a stalking mechanism.
Who Bears the Burden and How
Stalkers using tracking devices face federal criminal exposure when geotracking is unauthorized. Defense attorneys must address new statutory definitions in covered stalking prosecutions. Technology users who continue tracking after consent is revoked face legal risk. Federal courts must apply the new geotracking and unauthorized-use definitions in criminal cases.
Key Provisions
- Adds unauthorized geotracking devices to the federal stalking statute.
- Defines geotracking device as a tool for remotely determining or tracking position and movement.
- Defines unauthorized use as tracking without consent or after consent is revoked.
- Provides prosecutors a clearer charge path for electronic stalking conduct.
Evidence Chain:
This summary is generated from the full bill text using AI analysis. Expand "Detailed Analysis" below for identified beneficiaries/burden bearers with clause-level evidence links.
At a Glance
What This Bill Does
Adds unauthorized geotracking devices to the federal stalking statute and defines geotracking device and unauthorized use for prosecutions under 18 U.S.C. 2261A.
Key Policy Areas
Criminal Justice, Privacy, Technology
Primary Purpose
Adds unauthorized geotracking devices to the federal stalking statute and defines geotracking device and unauthorized use for prosecutions under 18 U.S.C. 2261A.
Policy Domains
Resolution provisions
Identified Gains
- Stalking victims
- Domestic violence survivors
- Federal prosecutors
- Privacy advocates
Identified Costs
- Stalkers using tracking devices
- Defense attorneys
- Technology users
- Federal courts
Sponsors
Legislative Progress
In CommitteeMrs. Sykes (for herself and Mr. Carey) introduced the following …
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Stakeholder Effects
cui bono?How this legislation distributes effects. Mention counts reflect frequency, not effect magnitude.
Bill Structure & Actor Mappings
Who is "The Secretary" in each section?
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