Committee hears testimony for and against H281, bill to raise penalties for crimes against peace officers

Representative Ted Hill, sponsor of House Bill 281, told the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee the measure would raise penalties for crimes against peace officers and memorialize two officers who were killed in separate incidents.

The bill drew a mix of law-enforcement supporters who called for stronger sentencing and civil-rights and equality-focused opponents who said penalties should not depend on the victim’s profession. The committee heard testimony and questions but did not vote; members said the measure would be discussed at a future session.

Representative Ted Hill (District 14) introduced the bill as the "Stahl and Bolter Defend the Defender Act," saying, "This bill will protect our defenders and also memorializes 2 of the finest that we lost in line of duty." Hill summarized the legislation’s sentencing goals: raising fixed terms for certain crimes against peace officers to a 15-years-to-life range and proposing a minimum of 35 years for the murder of a police officer, as discussed during testimony.

Several current and former law-enforcement officials…