Senator Michael Balboni announced that his bill, which makes serial stalking against 10 or more victims a Class E Felony, has passed the Senate. Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli sponsored this legislation, which has also passed in the Assembly.

S. 519 came about from a case of a man who threatened and brought fear to numerous Nassau County women back in 2001. Randomly, and in at least 72 instances over the period of three years, this man had called women threatening to harm a member of the family if they did not stand in front of a mirror, undress and describe themselves performing sexual acts.

"This is an extreme case of personal terrorism," Balboni said. "Using fear and intimidation, this man invaded homes and threatened the safety of countless women. Given these circumstances, felony punishment is appropriate. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to once again work with Assemblyman DiNapoli to strengthen the laws that protect law abiding citizens."

Under this legislation, the police will have the ability to charge a person who has engaged in this reprehensible conduct with stalking in the second degree, a Class E Felony, and judges can institute a penalty of up to 20 years. This legislation will be forwarded to Governor George Pataki.