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Committee backs tougher arson penalties for pregnancy resource centers
Summary
HB 22 60 would raise arson penalties from a Class C to a Class B felony when the target is a registered pregnancy resource center; the committee adopted the amendment and sent the bill to full Judiciary (7-2).
Representative Martin told the committee House Bill 22 60 would increase the penalty for arson to a Class B felony when the target is a pregnancy resource center, citing attempts and incidents of vandalism and arson at similar facilities. "This bill prioritizes the safety of these facilities, their staff and the pregnant women that come there seeking help," the sponsor said.
Members questioned whether the bill's protections applied only to registered nonprofit resource centers (the sponsor confirmed the bill uses a nonprofit definition) and whether other reproductive-health providers should be similarly protected; sponsor Martin said the bill is narrowly targeted to nonprofit pregnancy resource centers and focuses on arson and severe attacks. The committee voted to send HB 22 60 as amended to full Judiciary; the clerk announced 7 ayes and 2 nos.
