The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 200 on noncompliant prosecuting attorney authored by Sen. M. Young. The bill permits the attorney general to request the appointment of a special prosecuting attorney if a prosecuting attorney is categorically refusing to prosecute certain crimes and establishes a procedure for the appointment of a person to serve as a … [Read more...] about Noncompliant prosecuting attorney
Criminal
Use of force
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 311 on use of force authored by Sen. Baldwin. The bill prohibits a state or local law enforcement officer (officer) from firing warning shots and allows a guard, official, or officer in a state or local penal facility to fire warning shots to prevent the escape of a person. The bill provides the following regarding a … [Read more...] about Use of force
Marijuana
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1028 authored by Rep. Lucas regarding marijuana. The bill decriminalizes the possession of: (1) 30 grams or less of marijuana; or (2) five grams or less of hash oil or hashish; by making the violation a Class D infraction. The bill provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally possesses an instrument, a device, or another … [Read more...] about Marijuana
Trespassing
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1095 authored by Rep. Moed regarding trespassing. The bill provides that a person commits the offense of criminal trespass if: (1) the person, who does not have a contractual interest in the property, knowingly or intentionally enters or refuses to leave the property of another person after having been prohibited from entering or … [Read more...] about Trespassing
Criminal penalties
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1097 authored by Rep. Abbott regarding criminal penalties. The bill provides that a person who discharges a firearm in an unsafe manner and creates a substantial risk of bodily injury or death to a person or group of persons in the immediate vicinity of where the firearm is shot commits a Level 5 felony. The bill provides that a … [Read more...] about Criminal penalties