PIERRE - The South Dakota Senate will have a bill on its agenda this week making it illegal to send ominous or annoying text messages.

HB1313 would update an existing law on threats and harassment to include not only traditional telephones but also cell phones, satellite phones and computers hooked to the Internet by cable services.

"With the advance of technology, that always creates opportunities for more mischief," said Rep. Ryan Olson, R-Onida.

The bill would make it a crime to use electronic communications devices to terrorize, intimidate, threaten, harass or annoy by using lewd language, or to threaten physical injury or harm to someone's property, or attempt to extort money or other valuables, or disturb someone by anonymously contacting them repeatedly.

The penalty for violations would be a maximum of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

HB1313 was passed earlier by the House.