Several bills bring changes to criminal sentencing and protections

A flurry of bills update sentencing requirements for bail jumping, falsely reporting crimes, and impaired driving, as well as adding intimate partners to the definition of domestic violence.

HB 1504 updates impaired driving penalties. The bill increases consequences for impaired driving, grants courts greater discretion in sentencing, and modifies procedures for ignition interlock devices required for impaired driving offenses. HB 1504 passed both the House and Senate and is now headed to the Governor for signature.

HB 2231 amends the definition of bail jumping. Under the bill, a person is guilty of bail jumping if they receive written notice to appear in court and then fail to appear as required. Depending on the nature of the crime with which an individual is charged, bail jumping may qualify as an additional gross misdemeanor or felony charge. HB 2231 passed both the House and Senate and is now headed to the Governor for signature.

HB 2473 includes intimate partners in the list of individuals against whom a party may receive emergency protection orders during suspected domestic violence. Additionally, the bill modifies assault in the fourth degree involving domestic violence by expanding the types of prior offenses that can elevate an offense to a felony. HB 2473 passed both the House and Senate and is now headed to the Governor for signature.

HB 2632 sets new standards and criminal penalties for falsely reporting an emergency. This offense has been referred to as swatting. Under the bill, criminal charges range from a gross misdemeanor to a class B felony. In certain cases, injured parties can file a civil suit against the party who falsely reported an emergency. HB 2632 passed both the House and Senate and is now headed to the Governor for signature.