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MS HB1367

Bill

Status

Passed

3/24/2017

Primary Sponsor

Andy Gipson

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2017 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Expands definition of "testimony" to include oral or written statements provided under oath to law enforcement during felony criminal investigations, not just official proceedings.

  • Broadens "rendering criminal assistance" to include threatening or harassing witnesses, providing false testimony under oath, and interfering with law enforcement investigations.

  • Increases maximum prison sentences for Class 1 felonies under obstruction of justice laws from 5 years to 15 years, and Class 2 felonies from 2 years to 10 years.

  • Adds murder of a witness, potential witness, or confidential informant as a capital offense when motivated by the victim's status or to prevent cooperation with prosecution.

  • Expands witness intimidation and tampering statutes to include harassment, soliciting false information, and attempts that do not result in actual completion of the threat.

Legislative Description

Witness protection; increase penalties in order to provide.

Last Action

Approved by Governor

3/24/2017

Committee Referrals

Judiciary, Division A2/21/2017
Judiciary B1/16/2017

Full Bill Text

No bill text available