HI HB1664

Creates two new bribery offenses: bribery in the first degree (class A felony) and bribery in the second degree (class B felony), replacing the single bribery offense previously classified as class B.

Bribery in the first degree applies when the offender is an elected or appointed public official, the pecuniary benefit exceeds $20,000, or the person commits bribery on three or more separate occasions within a three-year period.

Bribery in the second degree applies to all other bribery cases not meeting first-degree criteria.

Expands the definition of "public servant" in bribery statutes to include persons who have been elected, appointed, or designated to become a public servant although not yet occupying that position.

Persons convicted of either bribery degree are ineligible for deferred acceptance of guilty plea or nolo contendere plea under chapter 853, and bribery in the second degree now requires grand jury indictment (not information) for prosecution.