HI SB2516

Establishes a gradient penalty structure for hindering prosecution in the first degree, replacing the current flat class C felony penalty with penalties tied to the severity of the underlying crime

Hindering prosecution involving murder in any degree becomes a class A felony, while hindering other class A felonies becomes a class B felony

Creates a tiered system where the hindering offense is classified one grade lower than the original crime (class B felony drops to class C, class C drops to misdemeanor, etc.)

Addresses the gap where current law allows someone who helps a mass murderer or cop killer evade capture to face only a maximum 5-year prison term

Takes effect upon approval and does not apply retroactively to rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed before the effective date