HI SB228

Establishes the offense of fraud as a class B felony, covering schemes to defraud or obtain money or property through false pretenses, representations, or promises, including deprivation of honest services.

Creates the offense of making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim against the State or a county as a class C felony for presenting claims known to be false to any state, county, department, or agency agent.

Establishes the offense of using false statements or entries in matters within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branches as a class C felony, with exemptions for judicial parties and counsel in court proceedings.

Limits application to legislative matters to administrative issues (payment claims, procurement, employment, support services, required documents) and legislative investigations or reviews.

Models new statutes after federal fraud laws (18 U.S.C. §§ 287, 1001, 1341, 1343, 1344, 1346) and directs state courts to reference federal caselaw for guidance in implementation.