An act relating to criminal penalties for burglary

This bill proposes to align the criminal penalties for general burglary with those for burglary committed in an occupied dwelling. It directly affects individuals charged with entering buildings or structures without permission with the intent to commit a crime. The key provision increases the maximum prison sentence for standard burglary from 15 years to 25 years, matching the current penalty for breaking into a residence. The bill also clarifies that a building is considered "occupied" if it is used as a residence, regardless of whether someone is actually present at the time of entry. Courts will be required to consider whether someone was actually present or if force was used as an aggravating factor during sentencing.