HB 07146 Summary

• Expands intimidation based on bigotry or bias statutes to include actions targeting public safety employees because of their occupation, in addition to existing protected characteristics (race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity).

• Defines "public safety employee" as police officers, firefighters, advanced emergency medical technicians, emergency medical responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and Department of Correction officers.

• Creates three levels of intimidation offenses: first degree (class C felony causing physical injury, $3,000 minimum fine), second degree (class D felony involving physical contact, property damage, or threats, $1,000 minimum fine), and third degree (class E felony involving property damage, threats, or advocacy of such acts, $1,000 minimum fine).

• Specifies that minimum fines may not be remitted or reduced unless the court states reasons for doing so on the record.

• Effective date: October 1, 2019.