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Bill

A 4176

Relates to designating crimes against public protection professionals

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon and 1 co-sponsor

Bill A 4176 designates crimes against public protection professionals as aggravated offenses, increasing penalties to enhance their safety and deter violence.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4176

Summary of Bill A 4176

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 4176
  • Title: Relates to designating crimes against public protection professionals
  • Status: Referred to Codes
  • Introduced: January 31, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 4176 aims to enhance the legal protections for public protection professionals by designating specific crimes committed against them as aggravated offenses. This legislation seeks to acknowledge the unique risks faced by individuals in these roles and to impose stricter penalties on those who commit crimes against them.

Key Provisions

  • Designation of Crimes: The bill proposes to classify certain offenses against public protection professionals—such as assault, harassment, and intimidation—as aggravated crimes. This classification would lead to increased penalties for offenders.
  • Definition of Public Protection Professionals: The bill defines public protection professionals to include law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other individuals whose primary duty is to protect public safety.
  • Enhanced Penalties: Offenders found guilty of committing designated crimes against public protection professionals would face harsher sentences, potentially including longer prison terms and higher fines.

Impact

  • Affected Individuals: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be public protection professionals, who often face heightened risks in the line of duty. By increasing penalties for crimes against them, the bill aims to deter such offenses and improve their safety.
  • Legal System Implications: The bill may lead to an increase in the number of aggravated crime cases processed through the legal system, as prosecutors would have the ability to pursue more severe charges against offenders.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 31, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration. This is an early stage in the legislative process, and further discussions, amendments, or votes will be necessary before it can become law.

Related Bills

  • A 8216 (prior-session): A previous proposal addressing similar issues regarding the protection of public safety professionals.
  • A 2606 (prior-session): Another related bill that may have laid the groundwork for the current legislation.
  • A 3304 (prior-session): A bill from a prior session that also focused on crimes against public protection professionals.

This summary provides an overview of Bill A 4176, highlighting its intent, key provisions, potential impact, and procedural status. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, further updates may be necessary to reflect any changes or developments.

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

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