The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 559, sponsored by Rep. Frizzell, on crimes of violence. This bill adds unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon to the definition of "crimes of violence". It also establishes new caps for consecutive sentences that result from a single episode of criminal conduct. This legislation defines "emergency medical … [Read more...] about Crimes of violence
Criminal justice funding
The Senate Appropriations Committee heard HB 1006, sponsored by Sen. Steele and Sen. Young, on criminal justice funding. This bill was amended to provide: the DOC to compile certain information and submit a quarterly report to the state budget committee and a monthly report to the Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council; provides that counties or courts wishing to apply to the DOC … [Read more...] about Criminal justice funding
Mental health matters
The Senate Health and Provider Services Committee heard HB 1269 on mental health matters sponsored by Sen. Patricia Miller and Sen. Crider. Author Rep. Clere reported that the bill addresses a number of mental health issues including: (1) authorizing the DOC, county or health navigator to serve as a representative of inmates for the purpose of applying for Medicaid eligibility, (2) … [Read more...] about Mental health matters
Various criminal law issues
The Senate Appropriations Committee heard HB 1304 on various criminal law issues sponsored Sen. Steele and Sen. R. Michael Young. The committee adopted three amendments. Two of the amendments made language changes and technical corrections. The third amendment, introduced by Sen. Kenley, excludes certain offenders from treatment in lieu of prosecution or incarceration and removes … [Read more...] about Various criminal law issues
Various child support matters
The House Judiciary Committee heard SB 324 concerning various child support matters sponsored by Rep. McNamara and Rep. Kirchhofer. Author Sen. Head explained that it repeals the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act currently in effect and replaces it with an updated version of the act. The bill also makes various changes to family and juvenile law concerning the following: (1) … [Read more...] about Various child support matters