The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 76 authored by Sen. Merritt on controlled substances. The bill originally made changes to the weight thresholds for certain controlled substance offenses. It also made Level 2 and Level 3 felonies of dealing in drugs nonsuspendible if the person has a prior unrelated felony conviction other than a felony conviction for a … [Read more...] about Controlled substances
Substance abuse prevention grant programs
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard SB 111 authored by Sen. Koch on substance abuse prevention grant programs. The bill creates a $100,000 grant program for community and faith-based substance abuse prevention programs as well as a $50,000 grant program for community and faith-based substance abuse prevention transportation assistance. An associate pastor from … [Read more...] about Substance abuse prevention grant programs
Traffic crimes
For amend and vote only, the Appropriations Committee heard Sen. Koch’s SB 186 on enhancing penalties for some traffic crimes. This bill provides that: an operator of a motor vehicle who operates a motor vehicle after the operator's driving privileges have been suspended or revoked and causes an accident that results in injury or death to another person commits a separate offense f … [Read more...] about Traffic crimes
Statute of limitations
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 219 extending the statute of limitations for a civil cause of action against a person or entity whose negligent or intentional act or omission led to the sexual abuse of a child. Testifying in support was a former USA swimmer and victim of sexual abuse; a victim of sexual abuse by a priest, and his wife and mother; a former gymnast and victim … [Read more...] about Statute of limitations
Intimidation against utility workers
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 304 authored by Sen. Koch on intimidation against utility workers. The bill originally provided that a person who communicates a threat to another person with the intent of interfering with providing utility service or communications service for a dwelling, building, or other structure commits intimidation, a Class A … [Read more...] about Intimidation against utility workers