HB 215 Summary

• Redefines sexual offense terminology: Changes statutory language from "forcible rape," "sexual assault," and "deviate sexual assault" to "rape in the first degree," "rape in the second degree," and "sodomy in the first/second degree" (effective August 28, 2013).

• Expands sexually violent predator definitions: Broadens the definition of "sexually violent offense" to include additional sexual crimes and felonies with similar elements, affecting civil commitment procedures under sections 632.480-632.513.

• Strengthens school safety protocols: Requires schools to report serious crimes to law enforcement, maintain discipline records, and restrict suspended students from school property within 1,000 feet unless under direct supervision or residing there.

• Modifies probation and sentencing procedures: Allows courts to grant probation without requiring 120-day incarceration programs under certain conditions; establishes procedures for public defender caseload relief through court conferences.

• Establishes emergency public defender provisions: Makes sections 600.062 and 632.480 emergency measures effective upon passage to ensure quality representation of indigent defendants and protect crime victims.