The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1200 authored by Rep. McNamara regarding human trafficking. The bill modifies the definition of "protected person" for purposes of the admission of a statement or videotape of an individual who is less than 14 years of age at the time of the offense. The bill removes the requirement that money paid for a human trafficking victim … [Read more...] about Human trafficking
Criminal
Judicial officers
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1383 authored by Rep. Cook regarding judicial officers. The bill provides that a person commits battery on a public safety official if the offense is committed against a current or former public safety official: (1) while the official is engaged in the official's official duty; or (2) in retaliation for the official having … [Read more...] about Judicial officers
Criminal law issues
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 197 authored by Sen. M. Young regarding criminal law issues. The bill specifies that a conviction for certain sex offenses requires mandatory revocation of a teaching license. The bill provides that a child who: (1) commits indecent display by a youth; or (2) commits dangerous possession of a firearm or provides a firearm … [Read more...] about Criminal law issues
Rioting
On February 2, 2021, the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 198 authored by Sen. M. Young regarding rioting. The bill grants the attorney general concurrent jurisdiction with the prosecuting attorney to prosecute an action in which a person is accused of committing a criminal offense while a member of an unlawful assembly. The bill permits the chief executive … [Read more...] about Rioting
Self-defense
On February 2, 2021, the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 199 authored by Sen. M. Young and Sen. Garten regarding self-defense. The bill specifies that “reasonable force” includes the pointing of a loaded or unloaded firearm for purposes of self-defense and arrest statutes. The bill was amended by consent to clarify that pointing a firearm is not reasonable for … [Read more...] about Self-defense