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
new crime
Protection of monuments, memorials, and statues
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 187 on protection of monuments, memorials, and statues authored by Sen. Koch. The bill requires the state police department to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of persons who destroy, damage, vandalize, or desecrate a monument, memorial, or statue and assist political subdivisions in the investigation and … [Read more...] about Protection of monuments, memorials, and statues
Theft of catalytic converters
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 167, authored by Sen. Sandlin regarding theft of catalytic converters. The bill provides the theft of a component part of a motor vehicle, including a catalytic converter, is a Level 6 felony. Expands qualifying prior convictions for Level 6 felony theft to include robbery and burglary. The bill was amended by consent to … [Read more...] about Theft of catalytic converters
Exploitation of dependents and endangered adults
S.E.A. 249, P.L. 70 Effective: July 1, 2020 Defines "person in a position of trust" and "self-dealing". Provides that a: (1) person commits exploitation of a dependent or an endangered adult if the person recklessly uses or exerts control over the personal services or property of an endangered adult or dependent; and (2) person in a position of trust commits exploitation of a … [Read more...] about Exploitation of dependents and endangered adults
Criminal law issues
S.E.A. 335, P.L. 142 Effective: July 1, 2020 [relevant sections] Provides that, if certain criminal penalties are increased (or, in the case of an infraction, imposed) due to a prior conviction or infraction committed by a defendant, the new offense must have been committed not later than 12 years from the later of the date: (1) of the conviction or infraction judgment; or (2) the … [Read more...] about Criminal law issues