| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Summary: Currently, the penalty for theft of an official election ballot is a state jail felony punishable by 180 days to 2 years in jail and an up to $10,000 fine. SB 554 would increase the penalty to a third degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in jail and an up to $10,000 fine.
Analysis: SB 554 represents a significant penalty increase for theft of an official election ballot. Penalty increases do not necessarily mean greater deterrent. However, theft of an election ballot is a grave offense and could alter the results of an election. We remain neutral on SB 554.