| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Neutral | Neutral |
HB 1845 would amend the Penal Code to increase the punishment of assaultive physical contact with a child from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor.
A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $4,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year, or both.
Raising the penalty from a Class C to a Class A misdemeanor for assault against children is within the role of government to defend the most vulnerable, and we support HB 1845.
It should be noted that the punishment for harming a child is currently less severe than the penalty for harming an elderly or disabled individual. This is an inconsistency that should be addressed.