Requires that Medicaid enrollment be maintained or provided to all inmates in the first 30 days of incarceration at the adult correctional institutions within the department of corrections and the last 30 days of incarceration when possible.
Increases the penalties for reckless driving from a misdemeanor first offense to a felony, with a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of between one thousand dollars ($1,000) and five thousand dollars ($5,000).
HB 7549 makes assaulting a sports official (such as an umpire, referee, or coach) during their duties a felony, directly affecting anyone who commits such violence at any athletic event - from school games to professional leagues. The bill establishes two penalty tiers: a standard assault carries up to 3 years in prison or a $3,000 fine, while assault causing serious bodily injury (like permanent disfigurement or life-threatening harm) results in 3-20 years in prison or a $10,000 fine. It also mandates that offenders pay restitution to victims or complete up to 500 hours of community service, in addition to any fines or prison time. This law applies to assaults occurring before, during, or after any sporting event.
SB 2398 upgrades penalties for filing false police reports about serious crimes. It makes it a felony to falsely report a crime that carries a 5- to 20-year prison sentence (with 1-5 years in prison for conviction) or a 20+ year sentence (with 5-20 years in prison). The bill directly affects individuals who knowingly submit false reports about violent or severe offenses, such as aggravated assault or homicide. It replaces the current misdemeanor penalty with stricter felony charges based on the severity of the underlying crime falsely reported.
SB 2402 increases penalties for drivers convicted of causing death or serious injury through reckless driving or driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs. The bill raises maximum prison sentences (e.g., from 10 to 20 years for causing death while driving recklessly), fines (e.g., from $10,000 to $20,000 for first-time DUI causing death), and license suspension periods. It also adds requirements for alcohol/drug treatment programs and longer financial responsibility proof before license reinstatement. This bill directly affects drivers convicted under sections 31-27-1, 31-27-1.1, 31-27-2.2, and 31-27-2.6 of the state’s motor vehicle laws. The bill is currently in committee (introduced January 30, 2026) and has not yet passed.
Increases the penalties for a first offense of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death to a minimum 10 years in incarceration, a minimum of $10,000 and a minimum license revocation of 10 years.
SB 2296 criminalizes intentionally obstructing traffic on federal or state highways by loitering (e.g., standing, sitting, kneeling) in ways that could interfere with vehicle movement. It sets mandatory prison sentences: 1-3 years for a first offense (with 60 days mandatory), 3-5 years for a second, 5-10 years for a third, and 5-30 years if death results. The law explicitly excludes lawful picketing or demonstrations related to labor disputes from this offense. It affects anyone who obstructs highway traffic in the specified manner, with penalties starting at one year in prison.
SB 2288 allows probationers serving one year or more to earn time off their probation for compliance with court conditions, but excludes those serving probation for specific offenses including murder, sexual assault, and driving under the influence causing death. Probationers without violations can earn up to 10 days per month off their sentence, with credits calculated after completing any incarceration. Violations of probation conditions stop credit accumulation and may result in the loss of previously earned credits. The bill takes effect upon passage.
HB 7145 modifies firearm storage laws by adding "Dillon's Law" to the section title (a procedural change), while establishing new safe storage requirements. It requires firearms to be stored in locked containers or secured with tamper-resistant locks to prevent access by children or prohibited persons (e.g., those banned from owning guns by law). Violations result in escalating penalties: first offenses incur fines up to $250, second offenses up to $1,000, and third offenses may lead to up to six months in jail or a $500 fine. Criminal storage charges apply if a child or prohibited person accesses the firearm and causes injury or uses it in a crime, with enhanced penalties for such outcomes. The law explicitly excludes cases where firearms are locked, being carried lawfully, or accessed during lawful self-defense.
SB 2302 makes it a minor criminal offense (misdemeanor) to knowingly file a false complaint about misconduct involving law enforcement, public safety personnel, or hospital staff. The bill specifically targets individuals who falsely report misconduct to authorities with the intent of causing harm, such as falsely accusing an officer of wrongdoing. Penalties include up to one year in jail, a $500 fine, and mandatory compensation to the falsely accused person for damages. This bill directly affects anyone who files such false reports, aiming to prevent misuse of complaint systems. The bill was introduced in the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 23, 2026, and is pending further action.
