Criminal Procedure – District Court Commissioners and False Statements

HB 21 restricts District Court commissioners from issuing arrest warrants to anyone except police officers or State’s Attorneys, requiring specific conditions like prior summons failure, unknown whereabouts, or danger to others. It also increases penalties for making false reports to officials about crimes or public safety threats, raising the maximum jail term from six months to three years. The bill directly affects commissioners who issue warrants and individuals who file false reports with law enforcement or government agencies. The changes take effect October 1, 2025.