The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 19 on sentence enhancement for use of a firearm authored by Sen. Gaskill. The bill adds the inspector general or an investigator for the inspector general to the definition of "police officer" for purposes of the statute providing a sentence enhancement for individuals who point or discharge a firearm at a police officer while committing … [Read more...] about Sentence enhancement for use of a firearm
Criminal
Education matters
The House Education Committee heard HB 1134 authored by Rep. Cook and Co-authored by Reps. Prescott and Goodrich on education matters. The bill, in relevant part, makes changes to the definition of "sexually explicit" for the purpose of trade regulation. It also removes schools and certain public libraries from the list of entities eligible for a specified defense to criminal … [Read more...] about Education matters
Elements of rape
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1079 on elements of rape authored by Rep. Negele.Thebillprovides that a person commits rape if: (1) the person engages in sexual activity with another person and the other person submits to the sexual activity under the belief that the person committing the act is someone the victim knows, other than the … [Read more...] about Elements of rape
Human trafficking
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1081 on human trafficking authored by Rep. McNamara.The billprovides: that confidential reports and other material involving a report or investigation of child abuse and neglect shall be made available to a staff member of a child advocacy centerDefines "child advocacy center" modifies the definition … [Read more...] about Human trafficking
Protective orders
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1137 on protective orders authored by Rep. Cook.Thebillprovides that an order for protection issued ex parte or upon notice and a hearing, or a modification of an order for protection issued ex parte or upon notice and a hearing, is effective for two years after the date of issuance, or indefinitely after the … [Read more...] about Protective orders