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Committee approves mask‑aggravator and malicious‑littering measure after debate
Summary
The committee approved Senate Bill 160, creating a sentencing aggravator for crimes committed while the offender is masked and establishing malicious littering as a distinct offense when intended to create fear. Supporters cited rising hate incidents; some members expressed free‑speech concerns but the bill passed 11–1.
The committee voted to pass Senate Bill 160, which contains two main provisions: it allows a court to consider an offender's wearing of a mask as an aggravating factor in sentencing where a crime was committed while masked, and it creates a new malicious‑littering offense defined by intent to cause reasonable fear for physical safety.
Sponsor Senator Deary said the mask provision is not a ban on masking or protest conduct but…
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