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HB 7

CRIM ID-EXPUNGEMENT

104th Regular Session Introduced by La Shawn Ford

HB 7 increases penalties for making terrorist threats, mandates schools to report threats to law enforcement, and enforces student suspensions, ensuring accountability and safety.

Referred to Rules Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7

Summary of HB 7: Crimes and Offenses Related to Terrorist Threats

Bill Number: HB 7
Title: Crimes and offenses, penalty increased for crimes of making a terrorist threat in the first or second degree, principal to immediately contact law enforcement of terrorist threat, suspension of student, readmittance, and restitution provided
Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary
Introduced: June 25, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Crimes & Offenses

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 7 is to enhance the legal framework surrounding crimes related to making terrorist threats. The bill aims to increase penalties for individuals convicted of making such threats, thereby deterring this type of criminal behavior. Additionally, it establishes protocols for school principals regarding the reporting of threats and outlines consequences for students involved in such incidents.

Key Provisions

HB 7 includes several significant provisions:

  1. Increased Penalties:

    • The bill proposes to increase the penalties for individuals found guilty of making a terrorist threat in either the first or second degree. Specific details on the new penalty structure are not provided in the current text but are expected to reflect a more stringent approach to such offenses.

  2. Mandatory Reporting:

    • School principals are required to immediately contact law enforcement upon receiving a report of a terrorist threat. This provision aims to ensure prompt action and response from law enforcement agencies to protect students and staff.

  3. Student Suspension and Readmittance:

    • The bill outlines that students who are found to have made a terrorist threat may face suspension from school. The conditions for readmittance after suspension will be specified, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.

  4. Restitution:

    • The bill includes a provision for restitution, which may require offenders to compensate for any damages or costs incurred as a result of their threats. This aims to hold individuals accountable for the consequences of their actions.

Impact

The enactment of HB 7 would have several implications:

  • For Offenders: Individuals convicted of making terrorist threats would face harsher penalties, potentially leading to longer sentences or higher fines.
  • For Schools: Educational institutions would need to implement new protocols for reporting threats, which may require training for staff and adjustments to existing policies.
  • For Students: Students involved in making threats could face significant disciplinary actions, including suspension, which may impact their educational opportunities and future.
  • For Law Enforcement: The bill would likely increase the workload for law enforcement agencies as they respond to reported threats more frequently and engage in investigations.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: HB 7 has been read for the first time and is currently referred to the House Committee on Judiciary for further consideration. The timeline for further action or potential amendments will depend on the committee's schedule and deliberations.

In summary, HB 7 seeks to strengthen the legal consequences for making terrorist threats, enhance school safety protocols, and ensure accountability for offenders, thereby aiming to create a safer environment for students and the broader community.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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