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Bruning introduces his 2013 legislative package
Four bills to strengthen criminal penalties. That's part of Attorney General Jon Bruning's legislative package. He introduced the measures Thursday that he said will provide more protection for Nebraskans.
The bills he's making a priority range from consumer protection all the way to trade Sanctions in Iran. Here's a detailed look at those bills. "Taking an officer's weapon is a serious matter and should have serious consequences." Before the bill, resisting an arrest or obstructing an officer was classified as a misdemeanor. Now, to disarm or attempt to disarm a police officer will be classified as a felony. Hastings Police Chief Kortum calls the bill a proactive measure for increasing officer and public safety. "When you're going after or attempt to go after the firearm that's serious and while it doesn't happen all the time the instances across the state are too numerous to ignore," said Kortum. The second bill introduced is designed to protect Nebraska consumers from data security breaches. You might recall the scare incident at UNL when the security system was hacked revealing thousands of alumni and staff members' personal information. "Last year our consumer division looked into 14 different data breaches involving more than 800,000 Nebraskans about 45% of the state population." Nebraska will now join 17 states in requiring companies to notify the state Attorney General's offices when data breaches occur. Senator Bill Avery a former professor of foreign policy sponsored the third bill the State Trade Sanctions on Iran. "The bill of course will prevent Nebraska's public funds from being used to support Iran's energy nuclear and military sectors," said Avery. The final bill creates distinct offenses for voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. "Currently, the penalties for accidentally crossing the center lines if you're driving your car and killing someone in an auto accident and intentionally killing someone can't be the same the bill so this bill." Involuntary and voluntary manslaughter are both penalized as Class III felonies. Voluntary manslaughter will now be Class II felony carrying a possible penalty of one to 50 years in prison. Also, Attorney General Jon Bruning is making future plans. He says he will not run for governor in 2014. He plans to announce at a later date whether he'll run for re-election as attorney general. |
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