Speaker Joanna Poole and Representatives Lucas Evans and Emilie Paxton were present at today’s state representative meeting, which was open to the public. Shout News was in attendance, and we took notes on the topics of discussion to ensure that you are up to date on the activities of the legislature. The meeting began with Speaker Poole running down the list
H.R. 312 – The Government Security Act of 2024 – Poole stated that this bill increases pay for contracted security agencies handling government events. In addition, security agencies can now hire felons, as long as the crimes on their record are not violent.
H.R. 314 – Private Security and Investigative Services Act of 2024 – Merges together existing bills regarding private security and investigative services
H.R. 316 – Amendments to the Crime Crisis Act – This Act, written by Rep. Paxton, requires a higher threshold of proof to charge a group with crimes committed by one of their associates.
H.R. 317 – The Freedom of Information Act – This bill updates the Freedom of Information Act to properly reflect the current roster of government departments.
H.R. 318 – The Controlled Substances Dispensary Act of 2024 – This bill updates the regulations surrounding marijuana sales in the state of San Andreas, including adding Harmony as a potential site for future sales.
H.R. 319 – The Firearm Issuance and Reinstatement Act – This bill sets clear expectations on the reinstatement of a firearm license after the license has been revoked by law enforcement. This bill was written by the Criminal Code Committee. The relevant language in the bill reads as follows:
An individual who is over the age of majority and has no prior criminal record may obtain a firearms license to allow lawful carry of a legal firearm. Firearm licenses may be issued by law enforcement officers, administrative assistants, dispatch, or a Judge. During this process a photo of the individual must be taken, and they may voluntarily provide their phone number to be noted on their MDT profile.
One violent felony committed with a firearm, or two non-violent firearms felonies, or two firearms misdemeanors within 14 days is grounds for revocation of firearms’ license. Licenses may be reinstated after a specified period with no violent crime convictions so long as the individual is not currently on bail for a violent crime. The specified time is dependant on prior revocations. The base revocation time is 7 days, with an additional 7 days for every prior revocation in the past 3 months. For example, an individual with 2 prior revocations in the 3 months prior to the current revocation will face a revocation for 21 days (7 day base + 14 days due to prior revocations). A judge, magistrate, or a Law Enforcement Officer empowered to re-issue gun licenses through Law Enforcement SOPs will review the case and shall return a gun license if the conditions stated in this section are met. In the matter of a conviction for First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, Terroristic Act, Use of Explosives / Bombing or Treason, a gun license shall not be returned for 30 days after the completion of the ordered sentence.
Speaker Poole gave an update on Representative Blackthorne stepping down from the Secretary of the Legislature role, and shared that Representative Paxton is currently set to take the rule (pending approval from the other members of the Legislature.)
Poole is looking at further legislation regarding the Rangers, although it is not ready to hit the table as of yet. Poole is also working on a way to deal with concerns raised by the public regarding the dissolution of the committee that determined appropriate circumstances to wear a mask in public areas. Poole stressed that this is a complex issue, and that she is working with other departments to come up with a satisfactory solution. Speaker Poole also encouraged the public to share their feedback and thoughts during this ongoing process.
The U.S. Marshals have approached Speaker Poole with the request to split the Abuse of Office charge into several distinct charges. This project has yet to begin, and Poole was unable to share any additional feedback. Representative Paxton also has several projects in the work, including work with SAFA, but due to the early state of those projects she was unable to share much in the way of detail.
During the Q&A portion of the meeting, Michael Andino raised concerns about the language in H.R. 314 that polices terms like “Deputy”, “Ranger”, and “Detective.” He and Speaker Poole had a back-and-forth about the concerns that an overzealous law enforcement officer or judge could crack down on harmless use of the term in a title like “Deputy Director.” Otherwise, the town hall was momentous, but it’s always good to hear more from our government and their current projects.
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