HB 697, sponsored by Delegate Valderrama, proposes to add a misdemeanor crime of, “threat of mass violence”.
This misdemeanor would be subject to imprisonment of up to 10 years and/or a fine up to $10,000. Additionally,
A COURT SHALL ORDER A PERSON CONVICTED UNDER THIS SECTION TO REIMBURSE THE APPROPRIATE UNIT OF FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR OTHER PERSON FOR EXPENSES AND LOSSES INCURRED IN RESPONDING TO THE UNLAWFUL THREAT UNLESS THE COURT STATES ON THE RECORD THE REASONS WHY REIMBURSEMENT WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE.
That’s the punishment. What’s the proposed, “crime”?
(C) A PERSON MAY NOT KNOWINGLY THREATEN TO COMMIT OR CAUSE TO BE COMMITTED A CRIME OF VIOLENCE, AS DEFINED IN § 14–101 OF THIS ARTICLE, THAT WOULD PLACE OTHERS AT SUBSTANTIAL RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY, AS DEFINED IN § 3–201 OF THIS TITLE, IF THE NATURAL AND PROBABLE CONSEQUENCE OF THE THREAT, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE CONSEQUENCE OCCURS, WOULD BE THAT FIVE OR MORE PEOPLE COULD BE:
(1) PLACED IN REASONABLE FEAR THAT THE CRIME WILL BE COMMITTED;
(2) REQUIRED TO EVACUATE FROM A DWELLING, STOREHOUSE, OR PUBLIC PLACE;
(3) REQUIRED TO MOVE TO A DESIGNATED AREA WITHIN A DWELLING, STOREHOUSE, OR PUBLIC PLACE; OR
(4) REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN A DESIGNATED SAFE AREA WITHIN A DWELLING, STOREHOUSE, OR PUBLIC PLACE.
In the House - Hearing 2/27 at 1:00 p.m.
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