Bill > HB2538

This bill creates a new criminal offense of recklessly threatening to commit an act of mass violence through any means of communication, where the threat causes a reasonable expectation or fear of the commission of such an act. The bill defines "mass violence" as an act that could lead to the serious bodily injury or death of four or more persons. It specifies that a violation of this new offense is a Class E felony, with harsher penalties of a Class D felony in certain circumstances, such as if the threat is made against a school, house of worship, government property, or a live event. The bill also requires the court to assess whether the defendant is a threat to the public before making a bail determination, and allows the court to order the defendant to undergo mental health assessments as a condition of bail or release. Additionally, the bill requires that any defendant arrested or held for this offense can only be admitted to bail by a judge of the general sessions, circuit, or criminal court.