The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved three bills to be reported to the floor with the recommendation that they pass.
SB 206 would expand the definition of kidnapping to including taking or gaining custody of, confining or concealing another person by force or threat of force; or by duress, fraud, deceit misrepresentation or enticement.
Lead sponsor for the bill Senator Ryan Weld (R – Brooke) said there was too much “wiggle room” in the language of the original definition that would not adequately protect those threatened with kidnapping.
SB 220 would create a new felony offense for a drug delivery that results in the death of another person and providing a felony criminal penalty.
Senator Robert Karnes (R – Upshur) said he was concerned that the bill might interfere with a current law enacted in 2015 from SB 523 that grants limited immunity from prosecution for certain misdemeanor offenses for a person who seeks emergency medical assistance for someone who is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose.
Committee counsel Tom Smith ensured the bill would not conflict with the current rule.
Senator Charles Trump (R – Morgan), Chair, took SB 219 off of the agenda at the start of the meeting to be discussed at a future date.
The next meeting for the Judiciary was not announced.
