An Act to amend 12.09 (title) and 12.60 (1) (bm); to create 12.09 (4) and 939.641 of the statutes; Relating to: criminalizing certain conduct intended to interfere with certain election activities and providing a penalty.
Impact
If enacted, AB515 would amend existing state laws to create new offenses and increase the penalties for certain existing crimes related to election interference. For example, the bill proposes that certain offenses related to stalking would see an increase in seriousness from a Class I felony to a Class H felony, while disorderly conduct or harassment tied to election activities could escalate to more serious classifications based on the context of the crime. This represents a significant change in how electoral misconduct is treated under Wisconsin law.
Summary
Assembly Bill 515 seeks to strengthen the penalties associated with crimes that interfere with election processes in Wisconsin. The bill specifically criminalizes engaging in conduct intended to threaten the orderly conduct of an election or to interfere with voting or registration activities. This includes loud or disruptive behavior, harassment, and conduct that causes emotional distress or fear of bodily injury to individuals involved in the electoral process, such as voters and election officials.
Contention
Debate around AB515 is expected as opinions vary on the effectiveness and implications of increasing penalties for election-related harassment. Proponents argue that stronger penalties are necessary to protect the democratic process and ensure that elections can be conducted without fear of intimidation. Critics, however, may raise concerns regarding the potential for overreach, questioning whether such measures could infringe on free speech rights and possibly deter citizen engagement in election processes.
Concerning criminalizing certain motor vehicle activities, and, in connection therewith, criminalizing and creating penalties for motor vehicle racing, street takeovers, and stunt driving.
Creating the crime of interference with the conduct of a religious assembly, providing criminal penalties therefor and providing for a civil cause of action for damages.
Election intimidation and interference with the voting process penalties modifications and election official performance of duties interference penalties modifications
Creating the crimes of interference with a security camera in a correctional facility and aggravated interference with a security camera in a correctional facility and providing criminal penalties therefor.
An Act to amend and reenact ยงยง 24.2-107, 24.2-411, 24.2-413, 24.2-604, 24.2-653.01, 24.2-671, 24.2-679, 24.2-701.1, 24.2-707.1, 24.2-712, and 24.2-802.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to elections administration; certain activities or conduct prohibited at polling places applicable to locations for absentee voting in person; possession of firearm within 100 feet of locations used for certain voting-related and elections-related activities; penalty.
Penalties for intimidation and interference with the voting process increased, and penalties for interference related to the performance of duties by an election official increased.
Senate Substitute for HB 2018 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Creating the crime of interference with the conduct of a religious assembly, providing criminal penalties therefor and providing for a civil cause of action for damages.