District 71 Capitol Hill Update with Representative David Byrd

Cracking down on drive-by shootings / Public Chapter 1136 — To impose stricter penalties on criminals who engage in drive-by shootings, a new law requires that a person convicted of aggravated assault that involved the use or display of a deadly weapon be punished one classification higher than otherwise provided by law if the violation was committed by discharging a firearm from within a motor vehicle. Effective July 1, 2022.

New offenses for heinous crimes / Public Chapter 1062 — Criminals who commit particularly heinous, worst-of-the- worst crimes will now face new offenses with stronger penalties. A new law creates offenses for especially aggravated rape, especially aggravated rape of a child, and grave torture. The crimes are punishable by the death penalty or imprisonment for life without the possibility for parole. Effective July 1, 2022.

Expanding the definition of unlawful photography / Public Chapter 920 – To protect the privacy of individuals, a new law expands the definition of unlawful photography. The offense previously applied to situations in which a person knowingly photographs someone without consent and the photograph is used for the purposes of sexual arousal or gratification. The new law expands that definition to include photographs taken without consent that include the unclothed intimate area of an individual and that were taken for the purpose of embarrassing or harassing the victim, among other criteria. Effective July 1, 2022.

Increasing penalties for litter / Public Chapter 1105 — A new law increases penalties for illegal dumping of tires. It makes knowingly dumping two or more tires on public or private property without permission a Class A misdemeanor offense of aggravated littering, and also adds a Class E felony offense for a first-time conviction when dumping eight or more tires for commercial purposes. Effective July 1, 2022.

As always, I am truly humbled and honored to be your voice on Capitol Hill. If there is ever any issue I can assist with, please reach out to my office by calling 615-741-2190 or emailing me at [email protected]