The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 141 concerning criminal gang activity authored by Sen. R. Michael Young. The author explained that this bill changes the term “criminal gang” to “criminal organization” and provides that a criminal organization is a group organized to commit a crime. Under current law, a criminal gang is a group organized to commit a felony. … [Read more...] about Criminal gang activity
Notification of abuse or neglect assessment
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard SB 159 on notification of abuse or neglect assessment authored by Sen. Banks and Sen. Grooms. This bill requires notification to the U.S. Department of Defense if a child of a parent, guardian or custodian on active duty in the military is the subject of an allegation of abuse or neglect. Committee members expressed concern a … [Read more...] about Notification of abuse or neglect assessment
Controlled substances and public servant impersonation
The House Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 174 concerning controlled substances and public servant impersonation authored by Sen. R. Michael Young. In follow-up to last week’s discussion, Sen. Young introduced an amendment to this bill that, as proposed: establishes a Class A misdemeanor for impersonating a public servant with intent to defraud or induce compliance w … [Read more...] about Controlled substances and public servant impersonation
Foreclosure mischief
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 183 concerning foreclosure mischief authored by Sen. Bray. Sen. Bray explained this bill addresses the issue of homeowners in foreclosure intentionally damaging their homes when leaving by establishing a Class A misdemeanor when a person knowingly or intentionally damages, permanently removes an object from, or defaces … [Read more...] about Foreclosure mischief
Domestic battery
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 198 concerning domestic battery authored by Sen. Crider. The author explained that this bill is a recodification bill attempting to clean up the domestic violence statutes and make them more usable and does not substantively alter the domestic violence laws. It specifically removes the sentencing enhancement for battery … [Read more...] about Domestic battery